Leslie Jones has been tapped by NBC Universal Television Distribution to lead its just launched new original content unit that will partner with local media companies to develop and create local programming in territories spanning the globe, it was announced by Frederick Huntsberry, evp, NBC Universal TV Dist.. The new international production unit will report in to Jerry Petry, evp, business operations and sales strategy, NBC Universal TV Dist.
Under the direction of New York-based Jones, vp, international sales and format production, NBC Universal TV Dist., the new international production unit will exploit NBC Universals existing library assets through scripted and non-scripted format sales, as well as create, develop and produce brand-new local content for all forms of electronic media, outside of the U.S. NBC Universals library contains more than 50,000 hours of television programming and 4,000 feature films. Jones will enlist the support of different production companies across the globe, working closely with NBC Universals own U.K.-based Working Title Television as an international scripted development and production arm.
We recognize that our clients have diverse programming needs and NBC Universal is committed to providing them with complete programming solutions that go beyond just traditional program licensing, said Huntsberry.
This new content produced for a local market may also be offered on a worldwide basis, providing more available European and regional content for broadcasters to license on a traditional basis. The international production unit will also seek to import scripted and non-scripted programs and formats for adaptation by U.S.-based divisions of NBC Universal.
The finished product will be licensed by Belinda Menendez, president, NBC Universal Intl TV Dist. and her global sales team.
Leslies proven track record and relationships in the international television community make her ideally suited to lead NBC Universals efforts in this new frontier, said Petry, to whom Jones reports. Shes done amazing things with the QUEER EYE format internationally, and were excited by the opportunities to mine our vast library and grow the business overseas.
Previously, Jones handled non-scripted format sales and international program sales for NBC News, NBC Sports and NBC late-night programming, as well as reality series and documentaries. Jones began her career at NBC Universal in New York in 1994, working with NBC Sports and then its Olympic unit in affiliate marketing. She then held several positions within NBCs marketing department, working on network, sports and affiliate business-to-business and consumer marketing. In 1998, Jones joined the NBC Enterprises international sales department in Los Angeles, and moved back to New York City in 2001 to lead the division as director of international sales.
NBC Universal is a leader in providing entertainment programming to the domestic and international marketplaces. The NBC Universal TV Dist. division is responsible for the global distribution of NBC Universal product to all forms of television throughout the world. This includes distribution of current and library film and television product, including formats and non-scripted programming, in the pay, free, and basic markets, as well as the domestic syndication of first-run syndicated TV programs and theatrical and TV movie packages.
