Production group STV Studios has announced two significant promotions across its unscripted portfolio: Camilla Cope as Director, Commercial & International – Unscripted and Sarah Forster as Director of Production – Unscripted.
Both will report to Paul Sheehan, STV Studios’ Chief Operating Officer.
Camilla has served as Commercial Director at STV Studios since April 2024. In her new role, she will lead the commercial strategy for the group’s unscripted labels, working closely with creative leadership to maximise the value of content from financing through to international distribution and licensing. Camilla will also support the expansion of STV Studios’ international footprint with a particular focus on the US, helping to drive new partnerships and revenue opportunities across the global content market.
Camilla has more than 20 years’ experience in the UK and international television industries, and prior to its acquisition by STV Studios in 2024, she served as Commercial Director at Greenbird Media, where she oversaw the global rollout of international hit format, LEGO Masters.
Sarah Forster, left, and Camilla Cope.
Camilla Cope said: “I’m delighted to step into this role at such a pivotal time for the industry. In an increasingly challenging market, a strong and aligned commercial strategy is more important than ever, and I’m looking forward to working with our creative leaders to build on the group’s international momentum, strengthen partnerships and drive long-term growth for STV Studios.”
As Director of Production – Unscripted, Sarah Forster’s remit will be extended to cover more of STV Studios’ unscripted labels (STV Studios Factual, Flicker Productions, Primal Media and Rumpus Media), as well as standalone entertainment titles produced under the STV Studios brand. Based in Glasgow, she will lead the production function for unscripted, overseeing end-to-end operations from development to delivery.
Sarah’s new role is the latest in a series of promotions since she joined STV Studios Factual as Production Manager in November 2018, most recently serving as Head of Production. In this capacity, Sarah has overseen a diverse slate of programming, including specialist factual investigations The Beauty Queen and the Catfish (BBC Three) and Disease X: Hunting the Next Pandemic (BBC Two), and long-running daytime series Antiques Road Trip (BBC One).
Sarah Forster said: "There’s a broad range of bold and exciting projects in development across our unscripted label portfolio at STV Studios, powered by an amazing pool of creative talent. I’m proud of what we have achieved within STV Studios Factual, and as we continue to build on that success, I’m also looking forward to collaborating with our wider unscripted labels to bring these projects to life for broadcasters and streamers both here in the UK and overseas."
Commenting on both appointments, David Mortimer, CEO of STV Studios, said: “Camilla and Sarah both have a proven track record of success in their respective fields at STV Studios. As we continue to grow our unscripted slate and deliver more top-tier programming that translates internationally, Camilla and Sarah’s talents will be invaluable. I’m delighted to see them move into these elevated roles within our team.”