Ex-E! scripted boss to run Lionsgate JV

Former E! head of scripted programming Kevin Plunkett will lead the new Lionsgate and New Regency television and film production joint venture.

Lionsgate and film firm New Regency revealed they were joining forces to produce and distribute TV shows and features earlier this year at NATPE Miami.

Plunkett, who was in charge of scripted programming at NBCUniversal-owned E! when it commissioned Lionsgate Television to coproduce its first drama original, schlocky series The Royals, with Universal Cable Productions.

He also oversaw E!’s second scripted series, The Arrangement, but leftearlier this year when NBCU consolidated its scripted cable assets under executive VP Bill McGoldrick.

At the JV, he will be based at New Regency’s Century City office. He will lead efforts to search New Regency’s library for potential premium scripted reboots and develop new original IP.

Before E!, Plunkett worked for ABC Entertainment on both the network and studio sides, and worked in comedy development for Paramount Television.

“Kevin is a gifted and highly experienced creative executive with a track record of successful series, and our team has enjoyed working with him on numerous projects, most recently on our hit drama The Royals,” said Kevin Beggs, chairman, Lionsgate Television Group.

“We know from our work with Kevin that his experience developing fan-favorite shows coupled with New Regency’s assets is a winning combination that will lead to high quality, buzzworthy series that networks will want and audiences will love.”

Lionsgate, which produces Netflix drama Orange is the New Black, recently hired Warner Bros. Television’s Chad Kennedy to become senior VP, current programming, as its slate expands.