Lionsgate Television Launches New Unscripted Division
Lionsgate Television has launched a new division, Lionsgate Alternative Television, solidifying its position as a major player in unscripted content. This move combines the powerhouse production capabilities of Pilgrim Media Group, eOne, Blackfin, Renegade, and Daisybeck Studios.
Craig Piligian to Lead Lionsgate Alternative Television
Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer Craig Piligian will helm Lionsgate Alternative Television as managing director. Piligian’s leadership unites a formidable team of industry veterans, positioning the division for significant growth and innovation in the unscripted television landscape. The individual production labels, including Pilgrim Media Group, Renegade, Blackfin, and eOne’s U.S. and U.K. non-scripted groups, will retain their distinct identities while collaborating under the Lionsgate Alternative Television umbrella.
A Powerhouse of Unscripted Franchises
Lionsgate Alternative Television boasts a portfolio of hugely successful unscripted franchises. Shows like “Naked and Afraid,” “Street Outlaws,” “Wicked Tuna,” and “Selling Sunset” demonstrate the breadth and depth of the division’s creative output. The combined expertise of the integrated companies allows Lionsgate Alternative Television to develop and produce a wide range of unscripted content, from competition series to documentaries and premium limited series. Notable examples include critically acclaimed productions like “Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez” and “Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre.”
Strategic Leadership and Creative Synergy
A robust management team supports Piligian, including Pilgrim Media Group’s Gretchen Stockdale and Nicholas Caprio, and Renegade’s David Garfinkle and Jay Renfroe. This strategic leadership structure ensures operational efficiency and fosters a collaborative environment for creative excellence. The creative leadership team includes industry veterans such as Tom Huffman, Bob Kusbit, Geno McDermott, and Dirk Hoogstra, each overseeing specific labels within the division. This collaborative structure fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas and resources, maximizing the creative potential of each individual label while leveraging the collective strength of Lionsgate Alternative Television.
Expanding Lionsgate’s Global Television Footprint
The formation of Lionsgate Alternative Television signifies a major expansion of Lionsgate’s global television presence. By consolidating its unscripted production capabilities, Lionsgate aims to strengthen its position in the competitive unscripted market. This strategic move allows Lionsgate to leverage its extensive resources and talent pool to create a wider range of compelling content for audiences worldwide. According to Kevin Beggs, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Lionsgate Television Group, this launch represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory, further solidifying Lionsgate’s position as a leader in the entertainment industry.
