Blue Ant Studios has unveiled a new genre-based structure under co-presidents Mark Bishop and Matt Hornburg.
The move follows the integration of Thunderbird Entertainment and assets from the Boat Rocker Media reverse takeover.
In the new structure, Hornburg will lead content strategy, development, and production, while Bishop will lead content monetization, rights, and commercial strategy.
Jennifer Twiner McCarron will serve as president of kids, family, and YA, reporting to Hornburg and overseeing scripted, animation, and youth-focused content. Atomic Cartoons and Jam Filled Entertainment will continue to operate under their established brands within this pillar. Reporting to McCarron are Joel Bradley, president of Atomic; Lori McIndoe, president of Jam Filled; Tori Coulthart, EVP of production, Jam Filled; and Lindsay MacAdam, who will continue to lead the scripted business on behalf of Blue Ant.
The unscripted division falls under Cathie James, who has taken on an expanded role as EVP of content, with Lesia Capone, EVP for production. Both will report to Hornburg. The Great Pacific Media and ProperTV brands will be retired, and Great Pacific CEO David Way is stepping down.
The third segment is Insight Productions, led by CEO John Brunton, reporting to Hornburg.
“This new structure sets Blue Ant Studios up for the next phase of growth,” said Hornburg. “Organizing around genre-based creative leadership allows us to develop and produce more ambitious slates, move more efficiently, and better support creators and partners as we build shows and franchises designed to travel globally.”
In addition, Blue Ant Rights has boosted its capabilities in the kids and family, licensing, and consumer products spheres, with Richard Goldsmith joining as EVP, kids and family sales and brands, and Vienna Downes as director for consumer products and licensing. Both will report to Bishop. Thunderbird brings some 1,100 hours to the catalog.
“As the scale and diversity of our portfolio continues to grow, so does the opportunity to expand how we monetize our IP,” said Bishop. “Expanding our rights, licensing, and consumer products capabilities allows us to capture more value from our IP and accelerate commercial growth internationally.”
