News 2006

RDF, a leading UK independent television production and distribution company, is delighted to announce the appointment of Elaine Sperber as Head of Family & Children's Drama RDF Media.

Elaine joins RDF from Mentorn where she held the position of Executive Producer for Drama. Elaine's appointment follows Nigel Pickard's arrival at the Group this month as Director of Family & Children's Programming, whom Elaine will report into.

Elaine has executive produced over fifty drama series during her career in both the US and UK. Prior to joining Mentorn Elaine was Head of Drama at CBBC where she was responsible for a wide range of children's dramas including the RTS award-winning Tracy Beaker - The Movie of Me, Bafta award-winning Bootleg and Feather Boy and long-running series Grange Hill.

Elaine joins RDF this month with a brief to work as an executive producer on new commissions, and to identify and develop their potential through international co-production opportunities.

Prior to CBBC Elaine worked at Buena Vista, Walt Disney Pictures and HBO on a wide range of international television dramas and films.

Nigel Pickard, Director of Family & Children's Programming, RDF Media said: "I'm absolutely delighted that we've been able to attract someone of Elaine's calibre in this new genre for RDF. With her brilliant experience in both the UK and abroad she is the perfect fit to work with us on taking the division forward through UK commissions and international co-productions. It's paramount to RDF to have the highest quality people focussing on how best to drive our new division forward."

Elaine Sperber said: "RDF is a visionary company with talented people and I'm delighted to be joining Nigel in this new division. It's a great opportunity to build on our long-standing commitment to family and kids programming, and I look forward to helping establish RDF as a leader in this field."