TV production company Stephen David Entertainment has tapped former History programming executive Dirk Hoogstra as its chief creative officer.
Hoogstra will be tasked with developing, packaging and selling new and current projects for the company, which has developed such show as Sons Of Liberty (History), The Making Of The Mob (AMC), and American Genius (National Geographic Channel).
Hoogstra was most recently executive vice president and general manager of History and H2, responsible for launching on History such hit shows as The Bible, Hatfields and McCoys and Vikings. He was replaced as History president in September by Jana Bennett, and at the time parent A+E Networks said Hoogstra would be returning to his roots in independent production, which he has.
“I’ve spent the last few months looking for the right person to take advantage of all the opportunities SDE now has with (company owner) Banijay Entertainment, and Dirk definitely is that person,” said SDE CEO Stephen David. “Because of Banijay SDE’s ability to finance, distribute and produce premium shows at any price point, Dirk will be able to work with partners throughout the world packaging great content.”
