Discovery’s Betty opening US office

Betty TV is opening a US division.

The UK prodco is owned by Discovery and the new US unit will be run by Discovery Networks International head of production and development Jon Sechrist.

Sechrist (right, below) joins Betty this month and will oversee the current slate and projects in development. Based in New York, he will report to Betty co-managing directors Neil Smith and Matthew Littleford.

“Betty creates high-quality television with formats and story lines that can translate to the US market, creating new hit series while broadening their own audience beyond the UK,” said Lee Bartlett, the outgoing president of the Discovery Studios Group , which oversees betty.

Smith, co-MD at Betty, said: “With an increasing appetite for formats it’s the perfect time for us to deliver Betty’s brand of quality popular factual programming to the US. Having previously worked with us as a commissioner [Jon] was the perfect choice to set up our new office and we are delighted that he is joining the team.”

Sechrist added: “I’ve finally met the right girl for me and her name is Betty. At a time when content is so accessible, yet highly competitive, I can’t wait to jump into the creative trenches with Neil and Matthew.”

Betty makes shows including The Undateables, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive (above), Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners and The Fabulous Baker Brothers. 

Discovery acquired the prodco in 2011.