Disney+ is making serious power moves in the UK.
The streaming giant has just hired Ron O'Berst, exec producer on acclaimed drama 'What It Feels Like For A Girl,' as Director of Scripted Originals UK. It's a coup that signals Disney's determination to build credibility in British television. O'Berst's track record suggests they are not messing around.
Joining him is Laura Klimke, who was a development exec on the cult hit 'Wreck'. Klimke is stepping up to Senior Development Manager, Scripted Originals UK, putting her in position to shape the streamer's next wave of homegrown drama.
The double hire comes six months after Disney+ brought in Angela Jain as EMEA Head of Content. The Mouse House is doubling down on European scripted storytelling. Expect more British dramas and less reliance on Hollywood exports.
O'Berst's track record suggests Disney+ is hunting for sophisticated, character-driven narratives that can compete with the BBC, ITV, and Sky. Klimke's background in development means the pipeline is about to get very interesting for UK writers and producers eyeing the platform.
For British talent, this is significant. Disney+ has the budget, the distribution, and now the local credibility to compete for the next big homegrown hit. The question is who gets the first call.
