Wednesday, July 11, 2007


LONDON, Jul. 11, 2007 (PR Newswire delivered by Newstex) -- Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) announced today that Sander Schwartz has been appointed president, international production, and becomes head of SPTI's global production group. This appointment is a result of the expansion of SPTI's local language production efforts, which to date have produced over 9,000 hours of programming in over 30 countries in 13 languages. SPTI is the division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) responsible for all television, mobile and digital distribution businesses outside of the United States. Schwartz will relocate from Los Angeles to SPTI's European headquarters in London, England, and will report to SPTI's president, Michael Grindon.

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 United Kingdom. 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.'

Prior to joining SPTI, 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, and managed the animation production facilities.

Schwartz's new position at SPTI marks his return to Sony where he previously spent 12 years in a number of executive positions. He joined Warner Bros. Animation from SPE's family entertainment group, where he served as the division's first president from 1999 to 2001, 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. Additionally, he 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 executive vice president and general manager, children's programming for Columbia TriStar Television (now Sony Pictures Television) in Los Angeles. Under Schwartz, the division produced 11 series with over 450 half-hours of syndicated and network programming.

A graduate of Northwestern University School of Law, Schwartz joined SPE in 1989 as senior vice president, business affairs, for SPE's television division. Prior to that, he was senior vice president of the Japan-based animation producer, TMS Entertainment, Inc. from 1986 to 1989. Before that, he held various business affairs posts with Walt Disney Pictures and CBS Entertainment in Los Angeles and New York.

About Sony Pictures Television International

Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) is the division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) responsible for all television business outside of the United States. SPTI operates three complementary lines of business: 1) distribution of SPE's feature films and television programming to television, mobile and digital content delivery 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. With dedicated offices in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Miami (Latin America), the People's Republic of China, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom, SPTI currently oversees production in nine regions of the world and is the leader in international television production among all major Hollywood studios. SPTI's worldwide television networks portfolio is a key strategy in the SPE's long-range commitment to the global marketplace, with over 40 networks in more than 130 countries reaching over 298 million households worldwide. SPTI is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

Contacts: Ron Sato Sony Pictures Television International +1 310 244 4687  ron_sato@spe.sony.com Gabriella Alaimo Thomas Sony Pictures Television International +1 310 244-3538  gabriella_alaimo@spe.sony.com
SOURCE Sony Pictures Television International



Newstex ID: PRN-0005-18066159


Delivered by Newstex LLC
via theFinancials.com