Bad Robot Tags Veteran Developer Michael Booth for New Video Game Studio
The accomplished Bad Robot studio made a serious move this week, launching a video game division-Bad Robot Games—that will be guided by newly hired industry veteran Michael Booth as its General Manager and CEO Anna Sweet.
Bad Robot, founded and led by renowned producer JJ Abrams, will now partner its creative content with Bad Robot Games.
Booth is seen as a key hire as he is an extremely experienced and accomplished game developer. He most recently worked as VR director for Facebook, but is best known as the creator and lead game designer for the smash hit Left 4 Dead.
The idea is that Bad Robot Games will have one in-house team working on Bad Robot-created properties, and a creative co-development team that works with external partners on licensed deals. The end goal, the company says, is to have an organization that can create worlds and tell stories across multiple mediums.
Annecchino Named CEO ViacomCBS Networks Intl.
ViacomCBS went with trusted, in-house experience as it named its new CEO of the international division, leading up to the launch of Paramount+ in 2021.
Raffaele Annecchino was named CEO and president of ViacomCBS Networks International this week, and will report directly to
ViacomCBS president and CEO Bob Bakish. Annecchino will be responsible for all of the company’s media networks and related businesses outside the United States, which includes networks and pay-TV channels on six continents.
Just as importantly, Annecchino will work with the corporation’s global streaming team to oversee the launch of Pluto TV and Paramount+ across international markets.
Annecchino has worked at ViacomCBS for 24 years and oversaw the launch of Viacom International Studios, Pluto TV and Noggin.
WarnerMedia Puts Brookman In Charge of EMEA Kids’ Content
WarnerMedia is consolidating management of all its operational responsibilities for its EMEA children’s content into a single position, held by Vanessa Brookman.
Based in London, Brookman will be responsible for all editorial and creative decisions at Warner Media. The company says she and her team will also collaborate with HBO Max to create new kid’s TV programs for the Warner-owned streaming service.
Moonbug Hires David Levine From Disney
Children’s content studio Moonbug announced this week it has hired David Levine to serve as its new head of the studio.
Levine laid down an impressive track record while working as VP of kids programming for the Disney Channel in the UK, Ireland, Europe and Africa. Among other projects he headed programs like 101 Dalmation Street and the Emmy-nominated Evermoor.
At Moonbug Levine moves into a very senior role, reporting directly to founder and CEO René Rechtman.
“David’s track record at Disney as a visionary executive specializing in children’s original content makes him uniquely well-suited to lead Moonbug’s creative, production, and content strategies,” Rechtman said. “This is a key position for Moonbug as we look to expand our content offerings around the world and develop more IP that delivers fun, educational, and relevant programming families love.”
Mattel Names Jonathan Anschell Exec VP, Chief Legal Officer
Mattel has added a legal heavyweight to its C-Suite roster, hiring ex-ViacomCBS exec Jonathan Anschell as its Chief Legal Officer, exec VP and Secretary.
Anschell will report directly to Ynon Kreiz, Mattel’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
He will succeed Robert Normile, who will continue in his current role through Dec. 31, 2020, and then remain with Mattel as an executive advisor through a date in April to be determined by Mattel to ensure a smooth transition.
Kreiz says Anschell brings extensive legal, corporate governance and media and entertainment industry expertise to Mattel. He joins the company from ViacomCBS Media Networks, where he served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel since 2019, leading the legal affairs team for all CBS entertainment and news operations, as well as the business and legal affairs teams for the ViacomCBS cable networks in the U.S. and internationally. Anschell previously served as General Counsel of CBS Television and Deputy General Counsel and Secretary of CBS Corporation. Before joining CBS in 2004, he was a partner at White O’Connor Curry, a Los Angeles-based law firm.
“Jonathan is a highly accomplished legal executive, with a strong commercial background and deep expertise in managing global, consumer-facing brands,” said Kreiz. “His leadership skills and strong transactional experience at the highest levels of the media and entertainment industry will further strengthen our capabilities as we transform Mattel into an IP-driven, high-performing toy company.”