Thomas C. Emma joins MarVista Ent. in the newly created position of vp, business affairs for the company’s production, acquisition and distribution activities, as well as utilize his experience in new media and new business development to guide their participation in future business opportunities.
His entertainment career includes senior level management positions at Artist View Ent., The American Film Marketing Assoc., Hal Roach Studios, Harmony Gold and Philips Media Inc.
“We are pleased to invite Tom to our team at MarVista Ent.,” said by Fernando Szew, md/coo, MarVista Ent. to whom he will report. “His vast experience in the industry will be a valuable addition to our company at this critical time for us as we ramp up our original productions in both the television series and feature film arena.”
Since the company’s formation in September of 2003, MarVista has acquired 175 half hours of episodic television series and over 25 television movies. MarVista has signed several key alliances:
* In March 2004, MarVista signed a three series co-production and worldwide distribution deal with Brookwell McNamara Ent. (EVEN STEVENS, THAT’S SO RAVEN) which resulted in a September 2004 production and development deal with The N, Nickelodeon’s nighttime network for teens. The first series to be produced under the deal is BOARDING SCHOOL for broadcast in the U.S. in spring 2006.
* In March 2005, MarVista signed a multi-year, multi-picture development, production and distribution agreement with Waterfront Pictures for six $1 million budget animated specials.
* Previously, MarVista signed a unique alliance with Canada’s Alberta Filmworks to provide a new, boutique distribution option for Canadian producers, by offering them a CTF (Canadian Tele Film) approved distribution company. April 2005 saw an expansion of this arrangement when the two companies signed a co-venture agreement to produce a live-action /CGI tween series for Canada’s Family Channel.
Founded by Whamo Ent. (
www.marvista.net ) key execs Joseph Szew and Fernando Szew, Porch Light Ent.’s former svp, worldwide sales and exec producer Michael Jacobs and George Port, former president/founder of Anchor Bay Ent., the company is the beneficiary of the Whamo Ent. library, which contains 3,000 hours of television programming including 45 animated feature films. The company has offices in Los Angeles and Boston.
