Former Warner Bros. Animation president Sander Schwartz returns to familiar territory, but in a bigger capacity as president, international production of Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI), and becomes head of SPTI�s global production group. Before WBA, Schwartz was Sony Pictures Ent�s family entertainment group first president from 1999 to 2001. Schwartz will relocate from Los Angeles to SPTI�s European headquarters in London, England, and will report to SPTI�s president, Michael Grindon.
SPTI is expanding its local language production efforts, which have produced some 9,000 hours of programming in more than 30 countries in 13 languages. SPTI is the division of SPE responsible for all television, mobile and digital distribution businesses outside of the U.S.
Schwartz joins SPTI with a mandate to lead the international production group into a new phase of growth. SPTI has production offices in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Miami (Latin America), the People's Republic of China, Russia, Spain and the U.K. SPTI produces a wide range of programs in these markets including original series, telenovelas, game shows, light entertainment and productions based on successful U.S. formats.
�Sander brings with him his significant production experience, great management skills and a thorough understanding of international television markets,� said Grindon. �We are very fortunate to have him back at Sony where he will devote his efforts to accelerating our growth in the international production business.�
�I have had the privilege of working with Michael and his team before and I am very pleased to be joining them in this new role,� said Schwartz. �I believe that SPTI is the preeminent international production and distribution company with great potential for further growth in all genres of programming for audiences worldwide.�
Schwartz was president of Warner Bros. Animation in Los Angeles since 2001 where he was responsible for the studio's production of theatrical, made-for-video and classic animation. He also oversaw the utilization and adaptation of Warner Bros.' classic library characters for all media, as well as managed the animation production facilities.
Schwartz previously spent 12 years in a number of exec positions. In SPE�s family entertainment group Schwartz was responsible for the development, production and distribution of family entertainment films, television programs, home video and online content. He was also charged with the creation of character-based franchise properties for use across Sony�s multiple lines of business. He also was responsible for developing and implementing the online strategy for SPE�s family entertainment business.
From 1995 to 1999, Schwartz established and oversaw Sony Pictures children's television programming as evp/gm, children�s programming for Columbia TriStar Television (now Sony Pictures Television) in Los Angeles. Under Schwartz, the division produced 11 series with more than 450 half-hours of syndicated and network programming.
A graduate of Northwestern University School of Law, Schwartz joined SPE in 1989 as svp, business affairs, for SPE�s television division. Prior to that, he was svp of the Japan-based animation producer, TMS Ent. Inc. from 1986 to 1989. Before that, he held various business affairs posts with Walt Disney Pictures and CBS Ent. in Los Angeles and New York.
Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) operates three complementary lines of business: 1) distribution of Sony Pictures Entertainment's feature films and television programming to television outlets around the world, 2) local television production in key international markets and 3) international television networks. In addition to being a leader in the distribution of current and classic U.S. and international films and television product worldwide, SPTI produces high profile, locally produced television in local languages. SPTI's worldwide television networks portfolio is a key strategy in the company's long-range commitment to the global marketplace, with approximately 40 networks in more than 130 countries reaching some 298 million households worldwide. SPTI is a Sony Pictures Ent. company.
