Pioneer Productions has appointed Peter Collins as Head of Factual.

In this newly created role, Collins will develop, pitch and executive produce across Pioneer’s slate of productions, with a main focus on UK productions and broadcasters, while working closely alongside Creative Director Thomas Viner, who will focus on Pioneer’s US and international slate. Collins will report to Pioneer CEO, Jonathan Hewes.

Jonathan Hewes said: “Pioneer has seen real growth across 2018 and we’re currently in production on a wide range of series and specials for UK, US and international broadcasters. Now is the time to further build on that success and supercharge our pipeline, and Peter’s track record and expertise make him a fantastic addition to the team.”

Collins joins Pioneer from STV Productions, where he was most recently Head of Specialist Factual and was responsible for securing a raft of commissions for both the BBC and Channel 4, executive producing programmes including Britain's Polar Bear Cub (Channel 4), Lucy Worsley's Fireworks for Tudor Queen (BBC4) and Britain's Biggest Warship (BBC2).

Prior to this, he was Head of Development at Oxford Scientific Films and worked across both production and development roles for a variety of indies as well as BBC Science.

Peter Collins said: “Pioneer has a fantastic reputation for making ground-breaking, beautifully produced science and factual programming, and I’m absolutely delighted to join the talented team at such an exciting time.”

Pioneer is part of the Tinopolis Group, with current shows including science documentary series How The Universe Works for the Science Channel in the US and nature series Nocturnal Britain airing on Channel 5 later this year.

For more information, please contact:

Saskia Wirth, Director of Communications, Tinopolis Group

Saskia.Wirth@tinopolis.tv