Expectation’s Kirstie Macdonald joins NENT, FilmNation’s JV

Kirstie Macdonald

FilmNation Entertainment and Nordic Entertainment (NENT) Group have appointed Kirstie Macdonald as creative director of the companies’ recently announced UK-based joint venture.

Macdonald, who has been behind shows such as Line Of Duty, Save Me and The Fear, will lead the JV’s UK team and be responsible for building the company’s production slate.

She will head up project sourcing, development and production, while also managing and developing key talent relationships for the company, which will operate under the FilmNation brand.

Macdonald joined Peter Fincham and Tim Hincks’ London-based producer Expectation in 2017, soon after the company’s formation. Her exit, which was first reported by TBI, will come after she has overseen the launch of Expectation’s drama Guilt.

Macdonald has previously worked for ITV Studios-owned World Productions, with credits on Outlaws for the BBC and was an executive producer on ITV’s Dark Angel and In Plain Sight.

“I’m such a big fan of FilmNation’s output – their integrity as storytellers and their talent relationships are second to none, and the reach this partnership with NENT Group gives makes this a fantastic opportunity to create some truly original television,” said Macdonald.

Glen Basner, FilmNation Entertainment CEO, and Milan Popelka, FilmNation Entertainment COO, added: “Kirstie’s taste perfectly aligns with our own, and her reputation, incredible relationships within the industry and track record of developing bold and compelling shows make her a perfect fit for this leadership role in our joint venture.”

Jakob Mejlhede Andersen, incoming CEO of NENT Studios UK, said: “Our joint venture with FilmNation Entertainment is a key step in establishing NENT Group as a global storyteller.

“From storyboards to awards, Kirstie turns amazing ideas into special series. Her appointment will enable us to bring even more high-quality entertainment to our Nordic streaming service Viaplay and audiences around the world.”

Announced in January, the JV will develop, produce and finance premium scripted television content for global audiences, and is currently assembling its creative team.