In a significant move to bolster its awards strategy, Sky has revamped its awards team with new appointments that reflect the company’s ambition to enhance its stature in the film and television landscape. Charlotte Mardon-Heath has been promoted to Head of Awards and Original Brands Lead, while Elisa Christophe joins as the Senior Awards Manager covering both film and television sectors. This restructuring comes on the heels of impressive accolades and box office success for Sky’s recent projects.
Recent Successes Fueling Ambition
Sky is riding a wave of success with noteworthy titles such as “The Day Of The Jackal,” featuring renowned actors Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch, which has garnered significant attention. Furthermore, Kate Winslet’s film “Lee” achieved longlisting for BAFTA nominations in four prestigious categories, including Outstanding British Film and Leading Actress. This recognition is not just pivotal for the actors involved but also confirms Sky’s position as a formidable player in the entertainment industry. Redmayne’s recognition with a Golden Globe nomination further elevates the network’s profile, signaling to audiences and industry professionals alike that Sky is committed to producing high-quality content.
Strategic Vision Under New Leadership
Mardon-Heath’s ascent to leadership within the awards team is underpinned by her previous experience, having served in key roles at Netflix and Entertainment One before joining Sky in 2022. Her focus now will be on strategizing the awards campaigns, managing submissions, and fostering relationships with industry talent. With the dual responsibility of leading award strategies and continuing her involvement with original brands from Sky Studios, Mardon-Heath’s robust experience positions her well to navigate the competitive landscape of awards season.
Joining Mardon-Heath in this venture is Elisa Christophe, who brings her expertise from the marketing and communications sphere with Independent Entertainment. Her background includes marketing efforts for films that appeal to diverse audiences, such as “My Policeman” and “Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now.” The integration of Christophe into the team aims to infuse fresh perspectives and innovative strategies into Sky’s awards initiatives. Alongside Emma Joseph, a Senior Awards Manager, and April Ogiamien as Awards Coordinator, the team is poised for a proactive approach to award season, collaborating under the leadership of Harrison Kelly, the Director of Original Brands and International Marketing.
The departure of Gemma Thomas, who led the awards team for over five years, marks a pivotal transition for Sky. Her move to Apple TV+ has left a significant gap that the new team aims to fill with a more aggressive and refined awards strategy. As the media landscape evolves, Sky’s renewed focus on awards and original programming aligns with broader trends in the industry, emphasizing quality and recognition in a crowded marketplace. By investing in new talent and re-evaluating its approach, Sky is making it clear that it intends to be a leading contender during award seasons and beyond. As the team gears up for the challenges ahead, the industry will be watching closely to see how these changes translate into future successes.