AceShowbiz - Mary Lisio, the EVP of non-scripted development and production at Fifth Season, is launching a new non-scripted production banner called Quite Contrary Pictures. She will serve as president of the new company, which aims to develop a range of documentary features, docuseries, and reality formats.

Mary Lisio brings impressive credentials to Quite Contrary Pictures, including an Emmy win for producing the History Channel's "Gettysburg." She has also received nominations for National Geographic's "Killing Jesus" and "Killing Kennedy." Her recent work at Fifth Season includes projects such as "Folktales," a Sundance-premiered documentary directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady about Norwegian teens training with sled dogs, and the upcoming documentary "Earth, Wind & Fire," produced by Oscar winner Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson.

While Quite Contrary Pictures will operate as a standalone entity, it will maintain a multiyear partnership with Fifth Season. Lisio will collaborate closely with Fifth Season CEO Graham Taylor and longtime partner Ariel Richter. Several Fifth Season executives, including executive producer Elissa Johnson, will also join the new company, strengthening its leadership team.

Graham Taylor praised Lisio as a unique executive whose expertise and vision have been key in building Fifth Season’s strong non-scripted slate. He emphasized that establishing Quite Contrary Pictures will empower Lisio and the Fifth Season team to expand their non-scripted storytelling capabilities, while offering the flexibility needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving industry.

Before joining Fifth Season, Lisio held senior roles at Blumhouse Television and served as SVP of nonfiction and branded content for Ridley Scott's Scott Free and RSA Films. She described Quite Contrary Pictures as a natural progression of the work done at Fifth Season and expressed enthusiasm about creating captivating non-scripted and documentary content for broad audiences.

"I'm grateful for the continued partnership of Graham, Ariel, and everyone at Fifth Season," said Lisio. "I look forward to working together to build on the great things we've already achieved."