eOne launches Australian TV division

Entertainment One has launched a new Australian TV division, which will be headed by Jude Troy.

The UK-listed TV and film producer and distributor already has an Australian presence having acquired movie distributor Hopscotch in 2011.

Troy has to this point been focused on film, but also acquiring Australian rights to a select batch of international TV dramas including Life on Mars, Hustle and Hannibal.

She will ramp up TV activity in her new role of executive VP, television development and acquisitions, Australia and New Zealand.

In her new position, Troy will source content for distribution and work on local production and coproduction opportunities. She will continue to acquire for the theatrical part of eOne’s Australian business, with Jo Mandatis taking on responsibility for home entertainment.

Sydney-based Troy has been with eOne since 2004. She will work closely with eOne’s recently appointed international TV president, Stuart Baxter, and with Carrie Stein, who as executive VP, global production performs a similar role to her for the US.

TBI understands eOne, which is staffing up under Baxter, also wants to appoint a European exec, giving it three regional bosses overseeing acquisitions, production and development.

Troy said: “TV content is something I am very passionate about and I am incredibly excited to be taking up this fantastic new challenge in a growth area for both the company and the local industry.”

“eOne Television continues to be aggressive in its growth strategy with a steadfast commitment to production of scripted content in English-speaking markets,” added eOne Television CEO John Morayniss. “This move is a natural extension of our global content objectives as we build on our strong film platform to connect more directly to the talented television community in that part of the world.”