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Disney+ Expands U.K. Scripted Team With Two Senior Hires

The appointments aim to boost locally produced shows for Disney+ and Hulu and accelerate the streamer’s EMEA originals pipeline.

Overview

  • Disney+ has appointed Ron O’Berst as Director, Scripted Originals UK and Laura Klimke as Senior Development Manager, Scripted Originals UK, both based in London and reporting to Lee Mason.
  • O’Berst joins from Hera Pictures where he exec produced the BAFTA‑nominated What It Feels Like for a Girl and previously held development roles at Drama Republic and BBC Worldwide.
  • Klimke arrives from Pure Fiction Television after serving as Head of Development at Euston Films and developing titles including Wreck, The Sister and Hard Sun.
  • Disney+ says the hires are part of a plan to ramp up investment in local UK originals and to identify, develop and commission projects for both Disney+ and Hulu.
  • The appointments build on a disclosed European slate and recent commissions such as Rivals and The Stolen Girl, and they could quicken the pipeline for more local-language series and greater opportunity for UK creative talent.