EXCLUSIVE: Fremantle is saying goodbye to U.S. distribution exec Shirley Bowers.
The experienced sales exec has departed after three-and-a-half years at the production and distribution giant as Senior VP, U.S. Sales. During that time, she has struck deals sending international shows such as British drama series Domino Day, comedy Wreck and Natalie Dormer-starrer White Lies into the States.
Fremantle has confirmed her departure, and there’s currently no word on a replacement right now.
Bowers joined Fremantle in early 2022 after a six-year spell at Red Arrow Studios International (now Seven.One Studios International). Prior to that, she worked in distribution for Fox International Channels and Nat Geo.
“In an industry where the only constant is change, it feels right to embrace a new chapter of my own,” Bowers wrote on LinkedIn. “After a great run at Fremantle, I’ve wrapped up my time there and am turning my focus to what’s next.
“Working with extraordinary partners to bring global IP to US audiences has been an incredible journey – one that strengthened my passion for creative collaboration, smart dealmaking and building partnerships that cross borders and move businesses forward.”
Bowers said she was “exploring new opportunities in global content strategy and partnerships.”
The exit comes soon after MIPCOM Cannes, where Fremantle was selling the likes of Catherine Zeta-Jones cocaine dealer drama Kill Jackie, which was a Hot Ones selection in our pre-market feature earlier this month. Fremantle and Steel Springs Pictures, which is shopping the series in the U.S., are co-producing the show, which Prime Video has in several territories.
Fremantle was also in Cannes selling the likes of Billy Idol Should Be Dead, an intimate doc about the English musician from Swedish filmmaker Jonas Åkerlund, and was one of several major production giants to strike a deal with a creator business, when it teamed with Viral Nation. The pair announced competition format Model Creator and true crime series Cr1me C0de during the market.
