Entertainment One (eOne) is bolstering its alternative programming by appointing David Shaye as vice president of development, U.S. alternative programming for Entertainment One Television and signing first-look deals with a trio of veteran reality television producers.
In his new position, Shaye will work closely with eOne Television’s senior vice president of alternative programming Tara Long — to whom he will report directly — to build on the company’s existing slate of unscripted shows by identifying promising talent and developing new series ideas.
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Prior to coming aboard eOne, Shaye was at Evolution Media as vice president of development, in addition to acting as co-executive producer of the upcoming E! series “Botched” and the ABC Family reality show “Beverly Hills Nannies.”
In addition to Shaye’s appointment, eOne Television has entered first-look deals with producers Kevin Healey, Riaz Patel and Ben Bitonti. Healey’s resume includes the Syfy series “Scare Tactics,” the geriatric prank show “Betty White‘s Off Their Rockers” and the Tru TV offering “The Carbonaro Effect.”
Patel is known for series including Lifetime’s “How to Look Good Naked,” TLC’s “Family S.O.S. With Jo Frost” and the MTV show “Why Can’t I Be You?”
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Moneystache Entertainment founder Ben Bitonti has created and produced shows and specials for E!, VH1, Lifetime, MTV and numerous others. Prior to the new deal with eOne, Moneystache was partnered with NBC Universal.
Launched in 2012, the U.S. alternative programming division of eOne has produced the WE series “Mary Mary” and “SWV Reunited,” as well as the BET’s “The Sheards.”
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“Over the past two years, eOne Television’s alternative programming business has flourished, and we are actively building out our division to support its rapid growth,” Long said. “David has a keen eye for engaging content and a deep background in working with talent who have thrived in the reality space, and we are delighted to have him join the team. We are big fans of the work of our new group of best in class creators, Kevin, Riaz and Ben, and we look forward to collaborating with them on a wave of new series ideas and related projects.”