Dan McDermott of AMC Networks named President of Entertainment and Studios

AMC Networks elevated Dan McDermott to President of Entertainment and AMC Studios, expanding his focus to include business affairs, acquisitions and planning, as well as consumer public relations.

In doing so, McDermott is assuming some of the oversight from longtime AMC Networks chief operating officer Ed Carroll, who previously announced his departure from the company at the end of this year.

McDermott most recently served as President of Original Programming for AMC Networks and Director of AMC Studios. He joined AMC in March 2020 and has seen his stature within the company grow rapidly following the departure last summer of AMC Networks Entertainment Group president Sarah Barnett, who has not been replaced. And he took full control of AMC Studios following the departure of co-chair Stefan Reinhardt earlier this year.

As a result, as head of original programming, McDermott already held the largest programming position in the company’s history, including responsibility for linear entertainment networks AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV and a number of number of company streaming services, including AMC Plus.

AMC Networks interim CEO Matt Blank, who succeeded longtime chairman / CEO Josh Sapan (now executive vice chairman) in August, announced McDermott’s new role on Thursday.

“As President of Entertainment and AMC Studios, Dan is expanding his role and building on the great work he has already done overseeing the development and production of our original programming,” said Blank. “Dan is a rare talent who has already made a significant contribution here after decades of meaningful work and notable successes in this industry. His new responsibilities allow him to have an even greater impact on our continued success by engaging fans and bringing popular culture to life through our linear networks and our rapidly growing line of targeted streaming services, including AMC Plus.

Under the new structure, Director of Business Affairs Rafael Gomez, Executive Vice President of Content and Inventory Strategy David Epstein and Executive Vice President of Public Relations Marnie Black will all now report to McDermott; previously their direct boss was Carroll. Public relations oversight includes Talent, Awards and Events relations.

“I’m grateful for this expanded role and couldn’t be more energized by the opportunity we have to build on the success, distinction and fan relationships that have defined this company on linear television for so many years. years, and to create in AMC Plus an elite streaming destination for premium branded content designed for adults, “McDermott said.” 2022 will be the biggest year of original programming in our history, and the ability to “Reaching fans on a growing array of platforms, including a one-of-a-kind service like AMC Plus, is very exciting.”

Prior to AMC Networks, McDermott ran a joint programming business of Lionsgate and BBC Studios. He worked as a screenwriter and producer of film and television. He previously ran Di Bonaventura Pictures Television and was the first director of DreamWorks Television, where he developed shows such as NBC’s “Freaks and Geeks” and ABC’s “Spin City”. Prior to that, at Fox, he worked on the network’s flagship shows such as “In Living Color”, “Melrose Place”, “The X-Files”, “Married … with Children” and “Beverly Hills, 90210”.