Los Angeles, CA (March 28, 2019) – AfterShock Comics, the industry’s fastest-growing independent publishing company, today announced that international TV acquisitions and programming veteran Jeff Ford will be joining the team as UK’s Senior Media Executive, bolstering the company’s international expansion efforts by leveraging the brand’s high quality IP for placement and distribution in the UK market.
With over three decades in the television industry, Ford spent over 20 years at the highest network level. After starting his career at the BBC, Ford moved to ITV in 1995 as Director of Acquisitions. Two years later he joined the fledgling Channel 5 and helped take the channel to a 6.7% share through several high-profile acquisitions, including CSI, Law & Order and Home & Away. In 2005, Ford joined Channel 4 to head up acquisitions, where he acquired major programs the likes of The Big Bang Theory and Ugly Betty. In 2009, he returned to Channel 5 running acquisitions and digital channels then becoming Director of Programmes for the entire portfolio the following year. Ford went on to become Director of Content at TV3 Ireland four years later, returning to the UK as Managing Director and SVP of Content Development at FOX UK, where he executive produced their first drama Deep State starring Mark Strong.
Working with Dan Shires, AfterShock’s UK-based VP of Film and Television, Ford will collaborate on placing AfterShock Comics IP in the UK market, introducing the company’s current and upcoming titles to UK broadcasters and producers. He’ll also work with AfterShock CEO Jon Kramer in negotiating deals in the market and then managing productions after the content is acquired.
“After leaving Fox, my early retirement plans quickly changed when I discovered how AfterShock Comics was addressing the development and distribution of original content,” said Ford. “I’m eager to be a part of what I see as a big change coming in the way IP is created for and placed on TV, film and streaming in the UK, and I couldn’t be happier working with AfterShock as they continue to make waves in the industry while expanding their incredible content into new markets.”
With over 80 original titles currently in publication, five of which have been optioned by major studios and networks, AfterShock is wasting no time introducing international markets to its award-winning content. As publisher of many of the most talked about independent titles of the past few years – including ANIMOSITY, A WALK THROUGH HELL, DARK ARK, BABYTEETH, and most recently DARK RED, the Diamond Comic Distributors’ 2017 Publisher of the Year (Under 3%) will simultaneously work to drive interest in its properties internationally while continuing to ink TV and film deals stateside.
“In my years in the media business, I’ve always admired Jeff’s ability to license and create great shows,” said AfterShock CEO Jon Kramer. “We are at a time where creative risk taking is essential to keep viewers entertained and Jeff has never been afraid to take those risks necessary to attract and keep an audience. Regardless of format, region or distribution channel, great content always wins. With the addition of Jeff’s TV acquisitions expertise to an already strong UK presence led by Dan Shires, we’re excited to introduce and expand our IP to new audiences outside the US.”
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