Global film and TV studio FIFTH SEASON is further strengthening its International Television Distribution business with the appointment of Kate Laffey to head acquisitions in the position of SVP Acquisitions, effective immediately. Reporting into FIFTH SEASON’s EVP of Television Distribution, Jennifer Ebell, Laffey will be responsible for overseeing the company’s global acquisition strategy including the London-based acquisition team led by Executive Director of Acquisitions, Liz Tang.
FIFTH SEASON’s distribution operation is headquartered in London, with 60+ executives based across New York, LA, Hong Kong, Stockholm and Toronto.
Laffey joins FIFTH SEASON from Number 9 Films, where she was Head of TV and responsible for accelerating the company’s nascent TV development slate in the UK and international market. Prior to this, Kate spent four years at Paramount heading up the International TV Studio, where she oversaw expansion of the UK and European scripted originals pipeline for Paramount+ working on shows such as The Gold, A Gentleman in Moscow starring Ewan McGregor and The Flatshare. She also was at Cineflix Rights for more than seven years serving as Vice President of Acquisitions across Scripted and Non-Scripted, with additional previous roles including Senior Scripted Acquisitions Executive at ITV Studios.
Jennifer Ebell, EVP of Television Distribution at FIFTH SEASON, said: “Attracting exceptional talent is central to FIFTH SEASON’s strategy as we continue to evolve our bespoke, best-in-class offering for producers, partners, and buyers alike. Kate brings a formidable blend of commercial insight and creative instinct, with a track record for identifying the kind of global, talent-driven stories that define our slate. She’s trusted by producers, respected across the industry, and we’re thrilled to have her join the acquisitions team.”
Kate Laffey added, “I’m incredibly excited to be joining FIFTH SEASON at such a dynamic time for the company and the industry. FIFTH SEASON has built a world-class reputation for bold, distinctive storytelling, and I look forward to working with the team to help expand its global reach and to continue delivering compelling, high-quality programming to our partners around the world.”
FIFTH SEASON’s current distribution slate includes American Classic from FIFTH SEASON’s studio featuring Laura Linney (Ozark, The Big C) and Academy Award winner Kevin Kline for MGM+; Stan Original series He Had It Coming starring Lydia West (Big Mood, It’s a Sin); Made Up Stories’ The Good Daughter starring Rose Byrne (Physical, Damages) and Meghann Fahy (The White Lotus, The Perfect Couple), alongside new docuseries Death Cap which FIFTH SEASON co-produced with Dreamchaser and Den of Martians.
