Global-aiming Yellow poaches MTV3 formats boss

Finnish producer Yellow Film & TV has poached local broadcaster MTV3’s head of formats to become its head of development as an international push gears up.

In his new role, Pete Paavolainen will work alongside CEO Olli Haikka, COO Milla Bruneau and CFO Jorma Reinilä to build its international presence. He will be charged with bringing global formats into Finland, and developing new ones that can be exported.

He will also work closely with head of movies Jarkko Hentula, head of drama Petja Peltomaa and head of sports Riku Riihilahti.

The firm has produced shows such as hickey doc Sel8nne, dramas Nurses and Roba, entertainment format Comedy Combat, and celebrity reality Restaurant X. It turns 20 next autumn.

At MTV3, Paavolainen brought formats such as Idols, Strictly Come Dancing, The Great Bake-Off, Top Chef and Big Brother to Finland.