ShinAwiL Hires Former NBC Executive Chuck LaBella
(3rd August 2021 – Dublin / Los Angeles) Leading Irish television production company ShinAwiL has hired former NBC television executive Chuck LaBella to drive their ambitious strategy to crack the US market.
For 20 years, ShinAwiL has produced the biggest smash hit global formats for Ireland including ‘The Apprentice’, ‘Dragons’ Den’, ‘MasterChef Ireland’, ‘The Voice of Ireland’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and are using this format production experience to create and sell their original formats in the U.S. The company launched a scripted division in 2019 and oversaw production on A+E Networks International’s ‘Miss Scarlett and the Duke’ for Element 8.
Chuck will join as ShinAwiL’s Los Angeles based Executive Producer to package new shows with USA based talent and build partnerships with production companies and networks.
Chuck’s career includes working with Bill Maher on Comedy Central’s ‘Politically Incorrect’, serving as the show’s Talent Producer and he continued in this capacity when the show moved to ABC.
His skill for recognizing talent ultimately landed him the position as Vice President of Talent Development at NBC Universal where he identified, attracted and retained talent and created shows from the ground up. His credits as Talent Producer include ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’, ‘Hollywood Game Night’, ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’, ‘Last Comic Standing’, ‘The Voice’, ‘America’s Got Talent’, and ‘Running Wild with Bear Grylls’. Chuck also served as Talent Consultant for NBC’s Alternative Series and Specials Department and has assisted NBC Scripted with casting ideas for various comedies and dramas. Chuck also served as a judge for the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships.
ShinAwiL CEO & Exec Producer, Larry Bass said “I’ve known Chuck for many years. We have both soldiered on The Apprentice. Chuck has been a fantastic friend to many Irish companies and producers over the years so it made great sense when we looked to work with someone who knew the US networks and market. I’m super excited about tapping into Chuck’s vast contact list and looking forward to working together to bring talent to our new formats and our TV dramas in the USA.” Bass continued “Chuck is already helping to add value to our slate with access to great talent and like-minded producers in the USA as we grow the ShinAwiL brand Stateside”.
Chuck LaBella added, “From the first time I connected with some Irish producers, I felt a kindred spirt with the Irish and I have spent many visits, very happy making friends in Ireland. So as I build up my production capacity post my network days, working with innovative, but experienced producers is no brainer! Having seen the ShinAwiL slate and plans for US expansion, we have complimentary skills sets that sets out great times ahead. It will be a super challenge to open up my home town to some great new shows from Ireland”.
