Cookie Jar Entertainment, the programming and licensing arm of The Cookie Jar Group, continues its management team growth with the appointment of former Nelvana executive Jim Weatherford as head of Asian Operations, and Michael Wrenn to the newly created post of creative executive. Based in Tokyo, the two new appointments mark Cookie Jars foray into the Asian Pacific market.
Weatherford will handle all Asian operations and reports to Sam Ewing, head of distribution. Weatherford was director-Asia Pacific, for Nelvana International, handling the companys operations and initiatives and is credited with bringing many of Nelvanas key branded properties to the region, including CARDCAPTORS, MEDABOTS, BEYBLADES, DONKEY KONG COUNTRY, MAGIC SCHOOL BUS and ROLIE POLIE OLIE. Weatherford also was a director with Jarico International Inc., a cross-cultural marketing and consulting firm, specializing in the production of childrens educational properties and the adaptation of programs from Japanese to English. Weatherford previously held a position with international film distribution company K.S.S. Inc., as md-International.
Wrenn will report to Weatherford and will be responsible for working with Japanese anime designers, writers, producers and directors to create and develop new projects for the company. Wrenn worked in developing anime projects for ToperTaylor.com. As creative developer for Wilco Dream Studio, Wrenn was responsible for overseeing the writing, designs and development of new animation properties, and worked to establish new business opportunities outside of Japan. Wrenn previously worked at Tokyo Broadcasting System where he supervised pre and post-production for movies and television series.
I am pleased to unite these two exceptional executive talents with Cookie Jars senior management team, said Sam Ewing. Jim and Michael both bring an extensive amount of professionalism to our company and serve as an integral part of our global expansion strategy.
The Cookie Jar Group develops, produces, distributes and markets quality products to children, their caregivers, parents and teachers with a commitment to providing the best in childrens published content, animated and live action programming as well as innovative and creative educational and entertainment driven products worldwide.
