Bunim/Murray Productions (BMP), a renowned reality TV production company, is making strategic moves to strengthen its development and current programming teams. The company, celebrated for its Emmy-winning reality shows and recent hit launches like “Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Girrrls” on Amazon Prime and “Don’t Forget The Lyrics” on Fox, is poised for the next phase of its illustrious journey. This expansion encompasses the appointment of several talented individuals and the promotion of key team members.
BMP’s mission has always been to provide audiences with captivating and innovative reality television experiences. Their extensive portfolio includes iconic shows like “The Real World,” “The Challenge,” and many others that have left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape. In line with their commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry, BMP is now bringing fresh creative energy into its fold.
The New Senior Vice Presidents
Two accomplished producers have been entrusted with the roles of Senior Vice Presidents for Development & Current. These executives bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the dynamic reality TV landscape.
Gayani Wanigaratne, a BAFTA-winning producer originally from the UK, joins BMP as SVP, Development and Current. Wanigaratne, who relocated to Los Angeles in 2019, has served as a development consultant and Co-Executive Producer for Universal Television Alternative Studios. Her impressive resume includes producing several unscripted hits in the UK, such as “Love Island,” “Britain’s Got Talent,” “The X-Factor,” “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here,” and “This Morning.” Wanigaratne also played a significant role as a commissioning executive for ITV Network.
Steve Ezell, a veteran who has been with BMP since he started as an intern on “The Real World” in 2003, has been promoted to SVP Development & Current. Over the years, Ezell has contributed significantly to numerous BMP series, including “Bad Girls Club” for Oxygen and six seasons of “Ball In the Family” for Facebook Watch. His early career saw him as the Director of Photography for over 30 different projects across various networks.
The New Vice Presidents and Promotions
Joining BMP as Vice Presidents for Development are Michael Driscoll and Nicholette Dixon. Driscoll has been with BMP since 2018, where he has successfully sold projects to Hulu, HBO Max, Discovery, Travel, and Lifetime. His contributions extend to the development of shows such as MTV’s “Lindsay Lohan’s Beach Club” and Amazon Prime’s “Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Girrrls.” Before joining BMP, Driscoll worked at 20th Television, formerly 20th Century Fox Television, and Sundance Institute.
Nicholette Dixon, the newly appointed Vice President of Development, arrives at BMP from GRB Studios, where she previously held the role of Vice President of Development. At GRB Studios, Dixon worked on the upcoming A&E series “Digital Addiction.” Her journey in the industry also includes working on development teams at Electus (now Propagate), where she contributed to series such as CNBC’s “Cash Pad” and FYI’s “Working the Room.”
Monique Berduo assumes the role of Director of Development at BMP. Her previous experience includes working in development for several ITV America-owned studios, most recently Sirens Media. During her tenure at Sirens Media, Berduo played a crucial role in developing series such as “Honestly Loren” for Snapchat, “Lost Resort” for TBS, “Nikita Unfiltered” for Snapchat, and “The Wedding Coach” for Netflix. Berduo’s earlier career involved working on development teams for ITV Entertainment and Gurney Productions.
Additionally, Nikki Cameron has been promoted to the position of Director of Development, marking her growth within the BMP family. Her background includes roles in production and operations at NBCUniversal’s Bravo, E!, and Oxygen networks. During her time at NBCUniversal, Cameron worked on a range of series, including “The Real Housewives” franchise, “Summer House,” “Total Bellas,” and “Botched.” She began her career in Entertainment PR, working with TV & film clients such as WEtv, Universal Pictures, Lionsgate, Fox News, and MSNBC.
Lauryn McCollum, a development associate, is another valuable addition to BMP. McCollum previously served as a coordinating producer for a production agency and gained experience at prestigious institutions such as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Adobe Creative Club Network, and CELEB magazine.
A Commitment to Growth
Julie Pizzi, President of Bunim/Murray Productions, underscored the company’s dedication to nurturing its development and current programming teams as their creative focus continues to evolve. Pizzi emphasized the significance of expanding their in-house expertise to propel their content creation efforts to new heights.
The Path Forward
Rupert Dobson, EVP of Development at BMP, shared in the enthusiasm surrounding these additions and promotions. He highlighted that BMP now boasts a diverse and multi-faceted team that positions the company for future success. As BMP embarks on this exciting phase of growth, these strategic moves pave the way for innovative reality TV experiences that will captivate audiences around the world.
Bunim/Murray Productions is renowned for pushing the boundaries of reality television, and with its strengthened creative arsenal, it is poised to continue delivering groundbreaking content that resonates with viewers across the globe. As the industry evolves, BMP stands ready to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, reaffirming its status as a trailblazer in the world of entertainment.