Facebook has hired an MTV executive to create original content

Facebook has been working to make video a central part of how its users experience the site, first with Facebook Live, and more recently with rumors that it would be creating an app for television boxes such as Apple TV. Now, the company has hired MTV executive vice president Mina Lefevre to be its head of development.

Lefevre made the announcement on her Facebook page:

I have always been drawn to the idea of building something and the idea of being part of the team that helps build Facebook's original content ecosystem...well, that just seems like a dream!

At MTV, she was the executive vice president and head of scripted programming, working on shows such as Faking It, Awkward, Finding Carter, Scream, Teen Wolf, Nicole Byer, Mary + Jane, Sweet/Vicious, and The Shannara Chronicles. At Facebook, she will be overseeing development of the site’s scripted and unscripted content, according to Deadline. She will also be working with Ricky Van Veen, who co-founded CollegeHumor, and joined the company last year to become its head of global creative strategy.

As Facebook closes in on 2 billion monthly users, it has been working to monetize its content and keep its users engaged with the site. Having its own dedicated programming would allow the company to sell ad space in a new area.