Sarah Barnett Upped at Sundance Channel

Sarah Barnett has been upped to president and GM of Sundance Channel. The announcement came Thursday from parent AMC Networks COO Ed Carroll, to whom Barnett will continue to report.

our editor recommends

'Breaking Bad' Lands on Sundance Channel in Syndication Deal

'Top Of The Lake' Trailer Gives First Look at Jane Campion’s Haunting New Murder Mystery (Video)

STORY: AMC/Sundance Channel Global Strikes Deals With Pay TV Platforms Worldwide

Barnett, who came to Sundance in 2005 from BBC America, was executive vp and GM. She has led the network’s transformation from sleepy indie film presenter to a destination for original scripted fare that arguably began with the 2010 premiere of Carlos, which would go on to win the Golden Globe for best miniseries.

The network will roll out Rectify, its first wholly owned original scripted series, on April 22, while Top of the Lake, directed by Jane Campion (The Piano) and starring Elisabeth Moss and Holly Hunter, bows March 18.

STORY: Sundance Channel's 'Top of the Lake' Highlights Grittier Side to Elisabeth Moss

“Under Sarah’s leadership, Sundance Channel has undergone a successful and dramatic transformation,” said Carroll. “Sarah has energized and repositioned the network as a dynamic, multiplatform brand that engages audiences with daring and award-winning content, and I look forward to her continued contributions to Sundance Channel and AMC Networks.”