Independent prodco Kickstart Entertainment has tapped Nicole Rivera to build and manage its kids and family development slate. Based in Los Angeles, Rivera will be tasked with developing animated and live-action projects, as well as seeking international co-production partnerships. As Kickstart enters its 25th year, Rivera joins recent hire, Global Head of Production Susan Corbin, as the company continues to build out its creative capabilities across its studios in Vancouver, Hong Kong, Suzhou and Mumbai, delivering content for hot brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels and The Boys.
“I am thrilled to be joining Kickstart Entertainment,” said Rivera. “Their commitment to producing exceptional content that resonates with global families aligns perfectly with my own creative vision. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Kickstart and bringing captivating stories to life.”
Before joining Kickstart, Rivera was Vice President of Development at Cartoon Network Studios, working to identify and shepherd new animated series, including The Invincible Fight Girl and Jessica’s Big Little World. Her previous roles at Cartoon Network included time on the Content Acquisitions team and as Manager of Current Series, overseeing such hits as Steven Universe, Clarence and the reimagined The Powerpuff Girls.
Animation and motion design studio Awesome Inc announced that Stacey Topkin is assuming the post of Director of Client Partnerships. She will be responsible for cultivating new commercial collaborations while supporting existing client relationships.
“I’ve long admired Awesome Inc — the sheer creative talent, the vibrant culture, and the unwavering determination of its President, Ashley Kohler, are unparalleled. Kohler is a visionary in every sense of the word, and I am thrilled to join forces with her.”
With over a dozen years of industry experience, Topkin brings expertise from previous studio positions at Creative Mammals and Elevation. Stacey’s unique journey also includes time as a record label director at Warner Bros. Records.
Awesome Inc is a woman-owned studio with both series and commercial clients including Paramount Global, Wieden+Kennedy, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
New York City- and Sao Paulo-based full service animation and creative studio LOBO has promoted Loic Dubois to Chief Growth Officer. His purview will include overseeing the European, Middle Eastern, Asia and North American markets, optimizing internal communication and also performing a comprehensive evaluation of the metrics associated with LOBO’s social media platforms and its financial data analysis.
Dubois began working with the studio in 2000 in small spot production before moving into assisting CCO/Founder Mateus De Paula Santos on major projects. Over the years, Dubois was eventually elevated to international executive producer, collaborating with agencies like TBWA/Paris (including on the global marketing campaign for the McDonald’s “Happy” character), Publicis, Havas, BBH London, 180 Amsterdam, Kessels & Kramer, Ogilvy & Mather NY, BBDO Energy, McCann Erickson, Arnold Worldwide and Deutsch LA. He was then named Global Head of Production, holding this role until 2016 when he pivoted to focus on new business opportunities on a global scale.
Françoise Guyonnet has been appointed CEO Copyrights Group and EVP Kids’ Brands of StudioCanal, which is looking o accelerate growth in children’s IP following the recent announcement of the new Miffy series at BLE. Guyonnet has held the position of Director of TV Series at StudioCanal since 2017. She will take up her new role in early 2024 and will continue to report to StudioCanal CEO and CANAL+ Group Deputy CEO Anna Marsh.
Copyrights Group, owned by Vivendi, which StudioCanal has been responsible for developing since 2022, is an international IP management agency. As CEO, Guyonnet will be responsible for accelerating its growth, as well as diversifying its income — the StudioCanal Paddington franchise being the highest profile IP with three animated series now produced, two BAFTA nominated Paddington films ($500 million in cumulative global box office) and Paddington in Peru coming to cinemas worldwide in 2024.
StudioCanal has successfully distributed kids’ series such as Sammy, Esther’s Notebook and The Adventures of Paddington around the world, as well as films such as Shaun the Sheep, Ernest & Célestine and Around the World in 80 days. The arrival of Guyonnet as EVP Kids’ Brands aims to strengthen the group’s activity in this space where, in addition to Paddington, other ambitious developments are in play including Pippi Longstocking, Miffy and Woodwalkers.
Sony Pictures Animation recently brought on Damien de Froberville as EVP of Production & Operating Strategy, stepping in for outgoing head of production Pam Marsden when she retires at the new year after nearly two decades at the studio. SVP of Physical Production Erik Vignau, in charge of new series production, will continue in his role — the studio is still looking for a fit for similar day-to-day features production role.
As noted in a memo from SPA President Kristine Belson, de Froberville joins the studio from Sergio Pablos’ The SPA Studios in Spain, where he was CEO & Producer. Here, he oversaw Netflix’s first original animated feature, the Oscar-nominated Klaus. He also produced the critically acclaimed animated short Sith for the Star Wars: Visions anthology. Earlier in his career, he held executive positions at Paramount, DreamWorks Animation and video game developer Virtuos.
Atlanta-based Primal Screen has promoted Ashley Davis to Executive Producer. In her new role, she will collaborate closely with the entire team to further elevate the studio’s reputation as a premier design and animation services provider.
Davis, who has served as a Producer and later as the Head of Production for over a decade at Primal Screen, brings a wealth of experience and creative expertise to her new position. In her 10 years at the studio, she has led the majority of Primal Screen’s integrated live-action and animation projects for a range of network, corporate and agency clients, including high-visibility projects for Lumistella’s Elf on the Shelf.
More Exec Moves, Promotions & Signings
- Alessandra Dematteis has joined DeAPlaneta Entertainment as Head of Media Sales for the company’s Kids & Family division in Italy, overseeing operations in Greece, Turkey and Asia.
- Global VFX studio Framestore has appointed International Production Supervisor Gary Brozenich, who joins after 22 years at MPC working on box-office hits like Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and two of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
- Nexus Studios announced the addition of award-winning director Mike Anderson to its global roster for commercial representation. Anderson is the co-creator of the Good Morning, Pickles! show (for FX’s CAKE) and directed the animated short Hot Future.
- London-based Kedoo Entertainment tapped Charlotte Thorp as EVP & Head of Distribution, Sales and Acquisitions ahead of MIPCOM, where she led the introductions of new original series Sonya from Toastville and Space Dragons alongside Season 5 of Netflix hit Booba.
- CG & VFX studio REALTIME has appointed Annie Shaw as Executive Producer for Virtual Production. She joins from MPC, where she served as Head of Virtual Production and previously a Virtual Production & VFX Producer working across film, TV, game cinematics and trailers.
