Disney Combines Home Entertainment and TV Distribution

Janice Marinelli, Lori MacPherson and Jason Brenek given expanded roles, as studio combines distribution of backend TV and film products

Disney announced a major overhaul to its distribution unit, putting Janice Marinelli, Lori MacPherson and Jason Brenek in expanded roles. 

The move is intended to combine groups that distribute all of the studio's film and TV products through backend channels, including home entertainment and broadcast syndication, into one unit.

"As we continue to respond to changing consumer behavior, we have re-aligned our distribution organization to be more integrated, global and holistic, taking into account the entire lifecycle of our films around the world," said Disney distribution president Bob Chapek.

The move does not affect the global theatrical distribution unit headed by Chuck Viane

Here's the full press release.

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS RE-ALIGNS DISTRIBUTION GROUP

New structure reflects importance of global nature of business 

and changing consumer behavior

BURBANK, Calif. – November 1, 2010 – The Walt Disney Studios today announced changes to its distribution organization that will better reflect the global marketplace and consumer trends.  With the changes, Janice Marinelli, Lori MacPherson and Jason Brenek will be assuming expanded roles.

“As we continue to respond to changing consumer behavior, we have re-aligned our distribution organization to be more integrated, global and holistic, taking into account the entire lifecycle of our films around the world,” said Bob Chapek, President of Distribution for The Walt Disney Studios. “I’m confident that Janice, Lori and Jason will lead their new groups in implementing innovative ways for us to reach our audiences in ways that are consistent with how consumers want to enjoy our content, both today, and into the future.”

In the new organization, Marinelli will lead a new North American In-Home Sales organization for Media Networks and Studio content, reporting to Chapek and Ben Pyne, President, Global Distribution, Disney Media Networks.  The team will be responsible for distributing film and TV content (Disney, Pixar, Marvel, DreamWorks, ABC, ABC Family and Disney Channels properties), as well as first-run content of The Walt Disney Company across the video/retail, TV, and digital platforms.  This includes negotiating licensed deals and output agreements with traditional and digital platforms. 

MacPherson will lead Global Product Management for Walt Disney Studios Distribution.  In her new role, Lori will be responsible for product management for physical and digital Disney, Pixar, Marvel, DreamWorks, ABC, ABC Family and Disney Channels properties over their life cycle.  Lori will also leverage consumer insights to develop new products and evaluate business opportunities, in order to maximize long term results.



Brenek will oversee the new International In-Home Sales organization and collaborate with key international constituents in the development of program and sales strategies to distribute film content.  He will manage, in collaboration with US counterparts, the international interface with our global retail accounts and connect sales teams around the world.

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