Paul Jackson becomes CEO of Eyeworks UK

Today in Las Vegas, at NATPE, international television production company Eyeworks announces that Paul Jackson will become CEO of Eyeworks’ United Kingdom based television operations. Starting this Spring, Jackson will be responsible for all Eyeworks UK based operations, including its existing company, Eyeworks At It. Eyeworks is proud that Paul Jackson has chosen to join Eyeworks because his announcement to leave ITV set off a frenzy of suitors in the international television market. Paul leading Eyeworks is a result of Eyeworks’ investment in Paul Jackson’s Company, Byron Bay Productions Ltd.

This partnership represents an enormous step for Eyeworks’ UK operations. Through Jackson’s leadership and experience, both from a broadcaster perspective as well as from a format and program development and production perspective, Eyeworks looks forward to building its UK operation into a major creative player in the UK marketplace, benefiting the Eyeworks Group as a whole.

Reinout Oerlemans CEO Eyeworks group: “I am thrilled that Paul is joining the Eyeworks Group. His worldwide reputation as a creative talent, in both scripted and non-scripted television needs no further explanation. I cannot wait to begin working together with Paul along with our internal creative network, to truly advance the Eyeworks Group both in the UK and Internationally. This is a huge opportunity for both parties, and I could not be happier.” Paul Jackson: “I am excited to get started. Having met Reinout, the Board and the MD’s of many of Eyeworks Affiliates, I believe that there is not a better collection of creative talent around. I look forward to working very closely with Eyeworks At It led by Chris Fouracre and Martin Cunning as we look to create winning television together.” In his newly appointed role as CEO of Eyeworks UK, Paul Jackson will work closely with Eyeworks At It’s Managing Directors, Chris Fouracre and Martin Cunning, in controlling the exploitation of Eyeworks formats in the United Kingdom. Chris Fouracre: “We think Paul’s vast experience and expertise, both here in the UK and Internationally, will prove a fantastic asset moving forward in 2009. Both Martin and I are delighted to work with Paul and look forward to building a stronger, more successful Eyeworks together in the UK.”

Prior to joining Eyeworks, Jackson worked at BBC where he was responsible for many successes such as comedy sensation The Young Ones. In 1997 Paul became BBC’s Head of Entertainment where he was soon after promoted to Controller of Entertainment. In 1999 Jackson left the BBC to work for Granada Television as the managing director of Granada Media Australia. Two years later he was recalled to the UK to become Granada’s director of international formats and entertainment. In summer 2003, Jackson was appointed president f Granada Entertainment USA, becoming chief executive of Granada America in early 2004, where he oversaw US reality television shows such as Nanny 911 and Hell’s Kitchen. Jackson returned to the UK in February 2006, to take on the role of Director of Entertainment and Comedy at ITV where he was responsible for such shows as Britain’s Got Talent, Benidorm, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Take Away and X-Factor.