Endemol Shine Australia has hired Los Angeles-based Dan Cazzola to serve as senior vice president, development, amid a push to expand its international reach.
Reporting to creative director Elliot Spencer, Cazzola will spearhead the growth of the Banijay-backed company’s English-language originals slate for the US and global market, charged with developing “big, bold and dynamic” IP.
The Endemol Shine Australia slate includes Married At First Sight Australia, MasterChef Australia, and LEGO Masters Australia, The Summit, Love Triangle, Family Food Fight and scripted drama NCIS: Sydney.
Most recently Cazzola was a consultant for Yes Yes Media, a company backed by Elisabeth Murdoch’s Sister Group, working across the US and UK development and strategic growth initiatives.
He has previously served as SVP, unscripted development at Endemol Shine North America, during which time he developed and sold series such as Deal or No Deal Island and Hot Wheels:Ultimate Challenge, Foodtastic and Domino Challenge, and oversaw US adaptations of Banijay Entertainment formats such as LEGO Masters and Would I Lie To You? .
“ESA’s track record of building defining versions of multi territory, global formats and original IP that travels, is thanks to the world‑class talent we attract,” said Endemol Shine Australia CEO Peter Newman.
“Dan’s exceptional creative vision and proven ability for working with broadcast partners to deliver major original series makes him an outstanding addition to the team.”
Cazzola said the company had “the best creative team in the business”.
“I’ve always admired the work they do. Being back at Banijay and working with ESA on their ambitious growth strategy in the US and internationally to build standout original content is incredibly exciting.”