Kenton Allen, Chief Executive of leading independent production company Big Talk Productions, has been appointed as Advisory Chair for the 2012 festival. Allen takes over the reins from BBC Director of Vision George Entwistle, who held the position for the duration of the 36th festival year.
Kenton's appointment as Chief Executive of Big Talk Productions has seen rapid growth in the Independent Producer over the last 3 years, alongside a number of high profile and award winning productions and a nomination for Best Independent Production Company at last year's TV festival.
The Festival Advisory Chair is responsible for the editorial direction of the TV Festival's programme - from commissioning session ideas to overseeing final production. Working closely with the Festival Office, the Advisory Chair brings together a committee from across the entire industry to advise and produce festival sessions.
The producer, whose credits include The Royle Family, That Mitchell and Webb Look and Ideal, was creative head of BBC Comedy and BBC Comedy North between 2003 and 2008.
Before that he was the creative director of Elisabeth Murdoch's Shine, which he joined from his role as head of entertainment development at Granada TV.
He said of his appointment: "I think George did a brilliant job this year, and I relish the prospect of getting stuck in and making 2012's festival the best it can be.
"There has never been a more creative and exciting time to be working in television and no other event showcases this like the MGEITF. It's a very special event and I haven't missed one in 15 years. I feel very honoured to be taking on the role and I'm really looking forward to helping make it unmissable."
Elaine Bedell, MGEITF Executive Chair said: "I'm very pleased that Kenton is taking on the role of Advisory chair. In recent years, the role has been held by executives working for the main UK broadcasters, and I think it will be a real benefit for the UK's main television festival to be chaired this year by someone with such standing from the independent sector, who perfectly understands the pressures and demands of the UK production business. Added to which, Kenton's award-winning production experience in comedy and entertainment promises a 2012 festival programme with more than usual stardust and sparkle."
Next year's festival takes place from 24 August to 26 August.
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