New York-based family entertainment company Classic Media has named industry veteran Andrew Perlman to serve as its new vp of Digital Media, responsible for managing the mobile and online content distribution strategy for the companys diverse library and characters, consisting of more than 3,000 titles, which also includes its subsidiary, Big Ideas VeggieTales brand. Perlman will manage strategic partnerships with industry leaders, including Google, Sprint, and MobiTV, oversee the development of branded content portals based on Classics popular characters, exploit its vast music assets, and work directly with Classics production department to test and create all-new content for the digital space.
Prior to joining Classic, Perlman was a consultant for the company in its launch with Google Video and MobiTV. Perlman was gm at Rights Group Llc. for four years where he oversaw the development of mobile marketing campaigns for Visa and Pepsi and helped to launch the Britney Spears mobile fan club in conjunction with AOL, Best Buy and Samsung, which was the first the first mobile product sold at U.S. retail. He also managed branded mobile product for Justin Timberlake and AMERICAN IDOL. Perlman also has an extensive music label background with stints at both Epic and Atlantic Records.
I am delighted to have Andrew at Classic Media, said Classic Medias ceo, Eric Ellenbogen, to whom Perlman will report. He has already made a meaningful contribution in broadening the distribution of our classic properties into the online and mobile space. His extensive experience in digital media and content is invaluable.
Classic Media (www.classicmedia.tv) owns and manages some of the worlds most recognizable family properties across all media including feature film, television, home video and consumer products. The companys extensive library features a diverse collection of popular animated and live-action characters such as: Casper the Friendly Ghost, Mr. Magoo, Richie Rich, Peter Cottontail, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Lone Ranger, Lassie, Underdog, Little Lulu, pat the bunny and Lamb Chop.
Classic Medias new live-action LASSIE movie, written and directed by Charles Sturridge, will be released in the U.S. in Sept. 2006. The company is in production on a live-action/CGI UNDERDOG feature film with Spyglass Ent/ and Disney, as well as a CG-animated feature, THE PIRATES WHO DONT DO ANYTHING: A VEGGIETALES MOVIE for Universal Pictures. Classic Medias pre-school series, GERALD MCBOING BOING, based on the Dr. Seuss book, airs daily on Cartoon Network. Cartoon Network will also soon premier Classics all-new GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE animated series, now in production with Studio B in Vancouver.
