Wise Child Studios Expands Documentary Division with Leslie Mattingly

Wise Child Studios has appointed Leslie Mattingly as the head of its documentary division, marking a significant expansion of its nonfiction team. This move follows the successful debut of “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model” on Netflix, which premiered on February 16, 2026. Jason Beekman, co-founder and CEO of Wise Child Studios, expressed optimism about the company's growth in a challenging business environment, stating, “We are happy to be growing in such a challenging business environment.”

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Leslie Mattingly brings extensive experience to her new role, having served as an executive producer and showrunner at prominent production companies such as Fremantle and RadicalMedia. Her previous work includes leading the History Channel’s “The Great War,” where she oversaw production across various locations. Mattingly has collaborated with notable filmmakers like Joe Berlinger and Skye Borgman, enhancing her reputation in the industry.

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Under Mattingly's leadership, Wise Child Studios has produced the feature documentary “Asco: Without Permission,” which has been showcased at over 15 film festivals, including its premiere at SXSW 2025. The film also opened the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival and was featured at the New York Latino Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, and Heartland International Film Festival, among others. This diverse portfolio reflects Wise Child Studios' commitment to high-quality content across various formats.

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Since its inception in 2023, Wise Child Studios has aimed to streamline the creative process by combining strong leadership with in-house legal counsel. This approach has enabled the company to develop high-end projects while maintaining smaller budgets. In just one year, Wise Child Studios has established a curated catalog that includes both scripted and nonfiction series, as well as feature films.

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While Wise Child Studios has received positive feedback for its innovative approach, some industry observers have raised concerns about the sustainability of its rapid growth in a competitive market. Critics argue that the focus on high-quality content may lead to challenges in maintaining profitability, especially as the demand for nonfiction programming continues to rise.

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In response to the expansion, Beekman emphasized the company's commitment to producing compelling content, stating, “Wise Child Studios was formed as a lean, nimble company with the reach of a full-service production shop, and that philosophy has led to incredible momentum in just over two years.”

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• “We are happy to be growing in such a challenging business environment,” — Jason Beekman, Co-founder and CEO of Wise Child Studios.

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• “Wise Child Studios was formed as a lean, nimble company with the reach of a full-service production shop, and that philosophy has led to incredible momentum in just over two years.” — Jason Beekman, Co-founder and CEO of Wise Child Studios.

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As Wise Child Studios continues to expand its documentary division under Mattingly's leadership, the company aims to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry while delivering engaging and impactful content.

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