National Geographic Channel Fuels Global Development Team With Hires in New York, Los Angeles and London

Alan Eyres, SVP Programming and Development; J-T Ladt, VP Programming and Development, Take Helm in LA

Lynn Sadofsky, Executive Producer, Production and Development; J.C. Mills, Director, Development in NYC

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Geographic Channel's (NGC) President Howard T. Owens announced today that he has boosted NGC's development team with four new development and production hires: Alan Eyres and J-T Ladt, who will be based in Los Angeles as SVP and VP of programming and development, respectively, and in New York City, Lynn Sadofsky as executive producer/director of production and development, and J.C. Mills as director of development.  They join Hamish Mykura, recently announced as the executive vice president and head of international content for National Geographic Channels International, who will also serve a dual role as the London head of global development for NGC. 

The new team will be tasked with developing series and event specials for National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo WILD, working alongside the network's Washington, D.C., development team.  Eyres (who begins February 1) and Ladt join NGC in newly created positions in the LA office, which David Lyle — now CEO — originally spearheaded.  Eyres will report to EVP of Programming Michael Cascio; Ladt reports to Eyres.  Sadofsky and Mills report to Kim Woodard, Vice President of Production and Development and head of NGC's New York office.

"Our expansion of the global development team shows our commitment to attracting creativity and strengthening our production community partnerships, whether that's Hollywood, Manhattan or London," said Owens.  "Eyres, Ladt, Sadofsky, Mills and Mykura will be bringing their drive, energy, focus and openness to develop standout programming that resonates with our viewers."

"With these additions to our development team, we are poised to grow our business exponentially in the new year," added Michael Cascio, EVP, programming.  "Working alongside the team in DC, we now have the best executives in the business in place to develop franchise series that reflect our passion for exploration and adventure."

The new team includes:

Alan Eyres, SVP Programming and Development, Head of the Los Angeles Office
Eyres comes from Discovery, where he most recently served as acting VP with responsibilities across development and production in the West Coast office, working on series including "Unchained Reaction," "Jesus Conspiracies," "Penn and Teller Tell a Lie," the multiple award-winning "Human Planet," and specials such as "Your Body on Drugs," "Why Is Sex Fun?," "Hudson Plane Crash: What Really Happened" and some of the top-rated Shark Week episodes, including "Sharkbite Beach" and "When Fish Attack."

He served as series editor on the prestige series "Curiosity" and high-end specials hosted by major celebrities such as Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Williams, Will.i.Am and Donald Trump.

Prior to coming to Discovery in 2007, Eyres worked for 10 years in production in the U.K., producing nonfiction television for both the U.S. and U.K. markets, including the Emmy and Bafta-nominated "Krakatoa: The Last Days" for the BBC.  He starts in LA for NGC on Feb. 1.

J-T Ladt, VP, Programming and Development, Los Angeles
Ladt comes to us from Renegade 83, where he served as Co-Head of Development for the TV powerhouse.  During his tenure, Ladt was responsible for developing and setting up reality projects across multiple networks, including Discovery, Spike, VH1, Style, G4, Syfy and TLC.  Before joining Renegade 83, Ladt was an executive producer and partner at James Bruce Productions, where he created, developed and produced reality and scripted television, feature films and digital media.  Reality programs he produced include "Meet Mister Mom" (NBC), "Wake-up Call" (ABC), "Profiler" (A&E) and the digital series "Big Shot Live" (CBS).  Ladt started his career in the mailroom as an agent trainee at the Gersh Agency. 

Lynn Sadofsky, Executive Producer/Director, Production and Development, New York
Sadofsky most recently was the Director of Development and Executive Producer for Planet Green and Discovery Fit & Health.  In this role she developed and produced series including "Untold Stories of the ER," "Facing Trauma," "Secretly Pregnant," "The Fabulous Beekman Boys" and "My Mom Is Obsessed."  Prior to joining the network, Sadofsky was an award-winning documentary and reality show producer for networks including Bravo, HBO, Food Network, Sundance Channel, Fine Living, WNET and the Metro Channel.

J.C. Mills, Director, Development, New York
Mills comes to NGC as the East Coast-based Vice President of business development and acquisitions for Zodiak Rights, one of the leading creators, producers and distributors of TV content.  There, he acquired series for distribution, generated relationships with producers and agents, negotiated deals and submitted proposals.  Prior to that he worked at Shine International as a Sales Executive and International Distribution Manager.  He negotiated series around the world and brought VOD sales into the U.K. and emerging markets.

Hamish Mykura, Head of Global Development, London, U.K.
Mykura is the former Head of documentaries at U.K. broadcaster Channel 4, where he created popular series such as "One Born Every Minute," "24 Hours in A+E" and "Fighting on the Frontline."  Starting in March 2012, he will be responsible for sourcing projects from U.K.-based production houses to NGC's global commissioning team in DC in addition to serving as Executive Vice President & Head of International Content for National Geographic Channels International.

SOURCE National Geographic Channel