Vancouver-headquartered Thunderbird Entertainment Group has brought on former Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) exec Laura Crowson as SVP of global development for its unscripted arm, Great Pacific Media (GPM).

In her new L.A.-based role, Crowson (pictured) will identify global market opportunities, drive coproductions and joint ventures and work closely with GPM development and business teams to create shows that are both creatively ambitious and commercially viable. She will report to GPM CEO David Way and will be a key part of the senior leadership team.

Previously, as a VP of development at WBD she oversaw series and specials for Discovery Channel, Science Channel, Animal Planet and Max (now once again HBO Max). During her tenure at WBD she played a key role in developing such successful Discovery titles as Expedition Files, The Last Woodsmen and Mud Madness, as well as the highly rated one-off doc Implosion: The Titanic Sub Disaster. She also worked on major unscripted franchises such as Deadliest Catch, Naked and Afraid and Gold Rush.

In addition, Crowson was an integral part of WBD’s coproduction and acquisition strategy, securing more than 500 hours of content and providing creative leadership.

“With a background in development, high-level casting, business strategy and pitching, Laura will bring creative leadership to shape existing concepts and spearhead new projects and partnerships,” said GPM’s Way in a statement. “Her experience with major U.S. networks, and time in the U.K., gives her sharp insight into evolving market needs and trends, ensuring GPM remains at the forefront of international content.”

GPM programming includes the long-running hit Highway Thru Hell (USA Network Canada), as well as new series Rocky Mountain Wreckers (The Weather Channel, USA Network Canada) and Timber Titans (USA Network Canada). Also on the way are new seasons of Deadman’s Curse (The History Channel, Hulu) and Wild Rose Vets (produced in association with Wapanatahk Media for APTN, Blue Ant Media).

This story originally appeared in Realscreen

Image courtesy of Thunderbird Entertainment