JACKSON LEAVES BBC FOR GRANADA AUSTRALIA

GRANADA Media have announced the appointment of Paul Jackson as Managing Director of Granada Australia and Chief Executive of Red Heart Productions, the Australian company jointly owned by Granada and Australia’s Seven Network.
Currently the BBC’s Controller of Entertainment, Paul will take up the role based in Sydney by the end of October and will oversee Red Heart’s growing slate of new commissions as well as existing programmes such as ‘Home and Away’ and ‘Seachange’. Jackson will also be building on the opportunities in the broadband arena through Granada’s Australian broadband company Artism.
Chris Pye, Granada Creative’s Commercial Director and Executive Vice President International Production said: “This appointment underlines Red Heart's commitment to growing successful production in Australia for both domestic and international audiences. Paul Jackson has unrivalled experience in producing, commissioning and managing innovative and exciting new shows which makes him the perfect appointment to capitalise on the continual international growth of the Australian market.”
Jackson joins Red Heart with a strong comedy and drama background and a great deal of respect for Australian talent. He said: “I've always been fascinated by the quality of their drama and comedy and have thoroughly enjoyed working in Australia, there was no greater showcase for their talent than the Millennium night celebrations and of course the Olympics which kept the world gripped for two weeks. Australia is the finest example of a ‘can do’ country. I am a programme maker through and through and I will be doing what I love best, working with talented people on both sides of the screen, in particular, the legendary Steve Vizard and the rest of the team including Andrew Knight whose reputation for creative expertise goes before him.”
Jackson will report to the Chairman of Red Heart, Steve Vizard, following chief executive David Champtaloup's departure.
Vizard said: “This is a significant appointment and demonstrates the esteem with which Red Heart Productions and indeed, Australian productions generally are held internationally. We are very much looking forward to growing the business with Paul Jackson".
Red Heart Productions, opened eight months ago, combines the existing resources and production businesses of Seven Network, Artist Services and Granada Media Australia.
Red Heart producing several top rated TV shows for many Australian broadcasters as well as pay TV, corporate and international partners.