Key Highlights
- Zai Bennett is CEO and Chief Creative Officer of BBC Studios Global Content.
- BBC Studios aims to merge production and sales under a new global content unit.
- The company plans aggressive talent deals in the UK drama market over the next two years.
- Doctor Who faces budget challenges following Disney’s exit from co-production deal.
Zai Bennett’s Strategic Shifts at BBC Studios
Bennett, a veteran of both the BBC and Sky, has been steering BBC Studios for over 12 months. His primary goal is clear: “This is the year of getting our nose to the grindstone,” he tells Deadline.
Merger of Production and Sales
The production powerhouse is reshaping its internal structure with a focus on global content. A key move involves merging production and sales under the new title BBC Studios Global Content, which now includes CEO and Chief Creative Officer roles for Bennett. This strategic shift aims to offer an end-to-end monetization view across all projects.
Talent Deals in UK Drama
Bennett is setting his sights on aggressive talent deals in both the UK and U.S., aiming for three to four per year over the next two years. He emphasizes, “This isn’t a ‘one and done’, this is a drumbeat.” Recent deals include tie-ups with actors like Jamie Demetriou and TV producers such as Diane Morgan.
Doctor Who Budget Challenges
A significant challenge looms for Doctor Who. The show needs to replace millions of pounds in lost budget following Disney’s exit from its co-production deal. Bennett remains optimistic, stating, “We’re all in it together” when discussing the future of this iconic series.
Global Expansion and Format Innovation
BBC Studios is also expanding globally with a renewed focus on formats. Mark Linsey, who now focuses solely on L.A., is looking to acquire majority stakes in independent production companies outside the UK. Bennett believes this can give BBC Studios an interesting place in funding drama projects.
New Era for Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing enters a new era with the search for two new hosts following Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly’s departures. While Bennett won’t speculate, he notes that the show is leveraging social media, especially TikTok, to enhance its appeal.
Conclusion
Bennett’s vision at BBC Studios is ambitious yet realistic. With a clear strategy for production, sales, and talent deals, he aims to maintain the studio’s status as the most awarded producer in the UK while addressing ongoing challenges like Doctor Who’s budget issues.
