Charlie Foley Headshot - P 2013
Charlie Foley has been named executive vp at Discovery Communications’ newly created Original Content Group.
In his new role, Foley will create, write and executive produce both scripted content and nonfiction series and formats and oversee a team dedicated to creating and producing content for Discovery Networks in the U.S. and internationally.
Based in the company’s New York offices, he will continue to oversee Animal Planet’s development department and report to Marjorie Kaplan, group president and GM at Animal Planet, Science Channel and Velocity.
“Charlie’s creative talents have helped transform Animal Planet into a top 20 network with original series like River Monsters, Whale Wars and the network’s two scripted Mermaids specials, which have become a global phenomenon,” said Kaplan. “With him in this new role, the entire Discovery portfolio will be able to benefit from Charlie’s big ideas, his creative leadership and his storytelling skills.” ?
A Primetime Emmy-nominated writer and executive producer, Foley is the creator, writer and executive producer of Animal Planet’s most successful shows, including its highest-rated program ever, Mermaids: The New Evidence, the sequel to his scripted two-hour Mermaids: The Body Found.
Foley also created and wrote Animal Planet’s previously most-watched show, the scripted two-hour Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real, which was nominated for two Primetime Emmys.
He also is responsible for the networks’ most successful nonfiction series: River Monsters and the Emmy-nominated Whale Wars.
Foley began his career at National Geographic and spent years in the independent production community.
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