Studiocanal has signed the person responsible for setting up Netflix production hubs around Europe as its new TV boss.
M-K Kennedy, who has spent the past few years as the streamer’s VP Production, Europe, has joined the Paris Has Fallen outfit as Executive Managing Director of TV Series, reporting to CEO Anna Marsh and based in London. She succeeds Françoise Guyonnet, who has become EVP of Kids Brands at the Paddington outfit as it pushes further into the space.
She will oversee a team that currently has series in 16 languages including the likes of the TV version of the Has Fallen franchise starring Gerard Butler and Thomas Vinterberg’s Families Like Ours. Past shows including Russell T Davies’ It’s a Sin.
Kennedy takes on the lucrative gig after spending the past seven years as Netflix’s Vice President of Production for Europe, based in Amsterdam. There, she built the production teams responsible for Netflix’ local-language series and films originating from France, Italy, Spain & Portugal, DACH and Nordics, including the likes of Lupin, Berlin, Society of the Snow and All Quiet on the Western Front.
Marsh said: “M-K’s in-depth experience and knowledge in television production is second to none and she is an executive who demonstrates strong strategic vision. Throughout her career, M-K has garnered a stellar reputation within the industry and has established long-standing relationships with key talent that will continue to fuel our ambitious growth strategy.”
Kennedy added: “The 14 production companies in the Studiocanal TV Series family are gifted storytellers, and experts in their respective markets. I’m honored to join them and eager to contribute to their evolution. In my previous role, I witnessed how local stories can captivate audiences worldwide.”
