Sydney-based production company i8 Studios has appointed former Paramount executive Samantha de Alwis as head of unscripted productions.
She brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, having served as an executive producer on The Dog House Australia and The Cook Up with Adam Liaw, and as a post-executive producer on Aussie Shores. She was also a producer on Mikki vs the World, Prank You Very Much and How To Do Stuff Good, and was a senior producer on The Great Australian Bake Off.
Early in her career, de Alwis worked in the UK on series such as 24 Hours in A&E, Young, Dumb and Living Off Mum and The Apprentice UK, holding production and editing roles.
De Alwis, series producer of ABC’s competition series “Tonight at the Museum,” said he is “absolutely delighted” to be joining i8 Studio at such an exciting time.
“Josh, Adam, and Melita have created something truly special, and I can’t wait to join the next chapter and grow something unscripted together,” she said.
Founded by Josh Martin, Adam Liaw, and Melita Hodge, i8 Studio is an independent producer of unscripted factual programming for local broadcast stations and streaming platforms. Its content includes commissions from Foxtel Group, SBS, Nine Network and Audible, spanning lifestyle, food and entertainment.
Mr Martin and Mr Liau said Mr de Alwis was well placed to build momentum with his leadership.
“Sammy’s talent, experience and infectious energy will be great for the company as our plans continue to grow, and under her leadership we plan to expand our unscripted development and production plans into new areas and platforms,” they said.
