Wise Child Studios Names Leslie Mattingly Head of Documentary

Veteran producer to lead nonfiction expansion following Netflix debut of "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model"

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Wise Child Studios, a production company founded in 2023, has named veteran executive producer and showrunner Leslie Mattingly as its new head of documentary. The move comes as Wise Child expands its nonfiction team following the successful Netflix debut of its docuseries "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model."

Why it matters

Wise Child Studios has established itself as a nimble, full-service production company in a challenging business environment. Bringing on an experienced documentary leader like Mattingly signals the company's ambitions to grow its nonfiction slate and capitalize on the success of "Reality Check."

The details

Mattingly is a seasoned executive producer and showrunner with experience at leading production companies including Fremantle and RadicalMedia. She has collaborated with award-winning filmmakers and most recently led the History Channel's mega-documentary series "The Great War." Mattingly also spent over 15 years as a senior staff producer with NBC's former long-form unit, Peacock Productions.

  • Wise Child Studios was founded in 2023.
  • "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model" premiered on Netflix on February 16, 2026.

The players

Wise Child Studios

A production company founded in 2023 with a focus on streamlining the creative process and developing high-end projects on smaller budgets.

Leslie Mattingly

A veteran executive producer and showrunner who has been named the new head of documentary at Wise Child Studios.

Jason Beekman

The co-founder and CEO of Wise Child Studios.

Diego Luna

An executive producer on the Wise Child Studios documentary "Asco: Without Permission."

Gael Garcia Bernal

An executive producer on the Wise Child Studios documentary "Asco: Without Permission."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are happy to be growing in such a challenging business environment. 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, Wise Child Studios (Variety)

What’s next

Wise Child Studios plans to continue expanding its nonfiction team and slate of documentary projects under the leadership of newly appointed head of documentary Leslie Mattingly.

The takeaway

Wise Child Studios' ability to navigate the challenging production landscape and build momentum with high-profile projects like "Reality Check" has positioned the company for growth, with the addition of an experienced documentary executive signaling its ambitions to further strengthen its nonfiction offerings.