The BBC have announced their senior production team for Eurovision 2023.
The British broadcaster, who is one of the host broadcasters of Eurovision 2023 along with Suspline of Ukraine, have today announced the Senior Production Team that will see them through Eurovision 2023.
Martin Green takes the lead!
Martin Green will be the man responsible for leading the contest in the United Kingdom, overseeing all aspects of Eurovision 2023 by creating, planning and delivering the contest in Liverpool alongside Suspline and the EBU.
“I am thrilled to have been asked to lead the delivery of Eurovision 2023 for the BBC. As a lifelong fan of the contest, it’s a dream come true. I’m looking forward to working with the brilliant team at the BBC, in Liverpool and the EBU and of course colleagues from Ukraine; I speak for us all when I say we’ll do you proud.”
Martin has over twenty years of experience in major global events. Most recently, he delivered the opening and closing ceremonies, and a major cultural programme, for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as Chief Creative Officer. Previously, Martin was CEO of arts festival Hull UK City of Culture in 2017 and Head of Ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, couldn’t be more thrilled at the appointment of Martin Green to lead the contest:
“Martin is an inspirational leader whose skills and passion for Eurovision will be a winning combination and make him the perfect ambassador for the BBC. His impressive track record in delivering major events speaks for itself. He is brilliant at bringing people together and will galvanise our partners to increase the value to licence fee payers as well as the wider economic benefits of hosting the event in the UK. Martin, and the highly experienced team we’ve announced today, will ensure 2023 is the most exciting, creative and innovative Eurovision ever.”
Rachel Ashdown has been confirmed as the Lead Commissioner for the BBC at Eurovision 2023. She will work with BBC studios to produce all three live shows, and will work on the overall look and tone of the show.
Rachel will also be responsible for commissioning other programming to run across the BBC and will work with the independent production companies on their delivery. This programming will include the key handover, the allocation draw, and other Eurovision-related shows in the weeks leading up to the contest.
Eurovision 2023 won’t be the first contest which Rachel has been involved with. She has been the Commissioner for all Eurovision Song Contest Coverage on the BBC since 2018, and she joined the Eurovision Reference Group between 2019 and 2021.
Leading the BBC Studios team is Andrew Cartmell, who has been appointed Executive Producer of Eurovision 2023. He will take overall responsibility for all three shows. Andrew recently took over as the United Kingdom’s Head of Delegation for Eurovision 2022, which saw Sam Ryder top the jury vote and finish in second place overall, our best result since 1998.
Andrew has previous experience working as an Executive Producer, as he has made entertainment shows and large scale events for the BBC Studios, among other media. He has worked for the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony, Children in Need & Sport Relief.
Lee Smithurst, Assistant Head of Delegation for the BBC at Eurovision 2022, and Head of Delegation for Junior Eurovision 2022, will be Head of Show for Eurovision 2023. He will take responsibility for the editorial content surrounding the contest, and will take the creative lead for the three shows.
Lee has previously worked on popular BBC shows such as I Can See Your Voice, Kylie Minogue’s Secret Night and Soccer Aid.
Twan van de Nieuwenhuijzen has been re-appointed as Head of Contest for a third year running after doing the same role for Eurovision 2021 and 2022. Twan will be specifically working with delegations to deliver the creative ambitions of each act on stage.
Twan has a vast back catalogue of working as Editor in Chief for many television programmes and live events, and has had a lot of success in his home country of The Netherlands.
James O’Brien will join the BBC Stuidos team as the Executive in Charge of Production. This means that James will oversee the team that is responsible for the technical delivery of the live shows and broadcasts, and all other elements within the venue precinct.
James comes to the senior production team with a lot of experience working for large scale events, some of which include MTV Europe Music Awards, the London 2012 Olympics and this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
What are your thoughts on the BBCs Senior Production team for Eurovision 2023? Are you happy with the BBCs choices? Let us know in the comments below!
