Bunim/Murray Productions Hires John P. Roberts As Chief Digital Officer

Endemol is losing a familiar face to Bunim/Murray Productions (BMP). The Van Nuys-based entertainment company, known for reality TV shows like The Real World and Project Runway, just hired John P. Roberts to fill its Chief Digital Officer position.

Roberts will lead the digital division of Bunim/Murray with the goal of increasing the company’s multi-platform and digital productions for web, mobile, and connected device distribution. He’ll also pursue investments and opportunities to help grow BMP and establish it as a leader in the digital production industry. Finally, Roberts will oversee BMP’s VP of Digital Kesila Childers, who was promoted to the position from her role as Director of Digital Media.

“With our continued commitment to innovation and engaging, ground-breaking storytelling, we are thrilled to bring John on board to lead BMP Digital,” said Gil Goldschein, President of Bunim/Murray Productions, in the release. “His extensive experience in digital and multi-platform production will help us continue to grow our digital initiatives and overall media footprint and extend our brands across multiple platforms.”

“Bunim/Murray is the best in

the business when it comes to storytelling,” noted Roberts in the release. “They laid the foundation for unscripted TV and were pioneers in shining a spotlight on relatable, everyday people. This created the groundwork for much of the content that’s thriving on digital platforms today. My goal is to continue to build momentum and guide BMP Digital to the next level of content creation across all platforms including video, games and social media.”

BMP has every reason to want Roberts under their name, as the digital executive is a four-time Emmy nominee in interactive television and already has experience overseeing many digital developments from his time at Endemol as its SVP of Digital Media and Commercial Ventures. A leading example was his launch of the MCN’s reality competition series in partnership with Blizzard Entertainment, Azeroth Choppers, which received over 2 million views in the first week of release. Roberts has previously worked for The Hub, Universal Studios, Lucasfilm LTD, and Fox, where he helped launch its cable network FX and its Fox.com website.

With Roberts on board at BMP, we expect to see a lot more digital releases from the company in the future.