Former HBO docs boss Sheila Nevins lands at MTV

Former HBO docs boss Sheila Nevins has landed at MTV.

The longtime president of HBO Documentary Films, who exited the WarnerMedia-owned channel last year, has joined the Viacom-owned network to launch MTV Documentary Films.

As part of the channel’s fledgling in-house production banner MTV Studios, the new division is to develop documentaries and specials for third-party streaming services, premium networks and MTV platforms.

Under Nevins’ leadership, the division will look to work with new filmmaking talent and build on MTV News and MTV Films’ footprint, which includes such series as True Life, the Oscar-nominated Tupac: Ressurection and Oscar-winning Hustle & Flow.

Nevins’ appointment is a major coup for MTV. The exec – a 38-year HBO veteran – was thought to be pursuing independent production after leaving the channel, for which she helped to garner 28 Oscars and 44 Peabody Awards.

She personally won a record 34 Primetime Emmy Awards for projects she was involved in. Her exec producer credits include the likes of Going Clear: Scientology And The Prison Of Belief, Paradise Lost and Citizenfour.

Nevins said: “MTV has always been at the forefront of youth culture, and the generation that is growing up now will change the world in ways we can’t even imagine. I’m excited to join MTV with electrifying stories that explore the crises and commitments that young people face every day.”

Chris McCarthy, president of MTV, added: “Throughout her stellar career, Sheila has elevated documentaries into one of the most compelling, culturally influentially forms of modern storytelling. As we grow and expand MTV, we’re excited for Sheila to bring a new generation of filmmakers to the forefront and continue to extend our creativity and cultural impact.”

Nina L. Diaz, president of entertainment for MTV, added: “What we started two decades ago with MTV News and Docs continues to inspire today.  As we relaunch our documentary division, it’s exhilarating to have Sheila at the helm.”