15/01/2003

Sophie Turner Laing, the BBC’s current controller of programme acquisitions, has moved to rival broadcaster BskyB as their new head of Film and Acquisitions.
Her appointment is one of the first by Sky Networks’ new MDDawn Airey to whom Laing will report.
At the BBC, Laing concluded major deals such as the pre-acquisition of Chicken Run, Titanic and Harry Potter from Warner, a package of Walt Disney Classics including Toy Story 1 and TS 2. Laing also renewed key output deals with DreamWorks and New Regency. A veteran TV executive, Laing was a co-founder in 1989 of HIT Entertainment, the inventors of Bob The Builder.
Commenting on Laing’s appointment, Dawn Airey said, “I am thrilled to welcome someone of Sophie’s talents to Sky. She has an enviable track record for timely and imaginative acquisitions and a very strong commercial reputation. She will thrive in the growing multi-channel environment and build on Sky’s status as the destination point for film and series”.

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