NBCU’s Matchbox hires Endemol Shine scripted exec

NBCUniversal International Studios (NBCUIS)-owned Australian producer Matchbox Pictures has hired well-known exec Mimi Butler.

She has hired in a role that will see her work across development and production at the prodco, which is behind scripted series such as The Slap (pictured) and Deadline Gallipoli.

Butler will be based in Sydney and takes on a permanent post.

She was previously a drama producer at Endemol Shine Australia, where she worked on shows such as Paper Giants: Magazine Wars and Howzat! Kerry Packer’s War.

Matchbox director of scripted development Debbie Lee said Butler would bring “terrific energy and experience” and “a distinctive sensibility” that would strengthen the company’s scripted slate.

In the past, Butler has produced dramas such as Rush for Network Ten, crime doc series Forensic Investigators for Network Seven and children’s drama Snobs for Nine Network. She also worked in development for Cordell Jigsaw (now CJZ) and as a script executive for Nine.

Her hire is the second major executive move in Australian production this week, coming after it emerged Brad Lyons was leaving Seven after 20 years, a large chunk of which was spent as production chief.

The news also comes in the same week Matchbox parent NBCUIS announced Jeff Wachtel would succeed Michael Edelstein as parent, relocating from LA to London to do so next year.