5 December, 2006
LONDON December 5, 2006.
Fireworks International, the television distribution arm of ContentFilm plc, is strengthening its sales operation with the announcement of a new digital media division and the appointment of Jonathan Ford to Vice President, Digital Distribution.
Based in the London office, he will take on responsibility for the licensing of all Fireworks International’s new and library properties to digital media channels throughout the world, including on-demand, broadband and mobile platforms. He will also be operationally responsible for the roll-out of HEAVY WORLDWIDE under the company’s distribution deal with HEAVY.COM.
Jonathan joins Fireworks International with a strong and proven track record in developing digital media opportunities for a number of high profile global media and telecommunications companies. Most recently Jonathan worked for Sony Pictures Television International where he held the post of Director Digital Initiatives, Europe, and before that Director Digital Entertainment, Europe, for Sony Pictures Digital. He was responsible for establishing a European digital business unit for Sony and his remit covered on-demand pay per view, subscription and sell through models for movie and TV content delivered through IPTV, Cable, Open Internet and mobile platforms. Before joining Sony Pictures in 2004, Jonathan worked for BT as Head of Sales for their IPTV service and as Head of Retailer Partnerships, Home Communications & High Street Distribution. Prior to this he was Head of Business Development for Shell Consumer Digital Limited, and from 1999 to 2001, he was with Freeserve.com plc as Corporate Development Manager and then Senior Manager, Products and Platforms. Prior to this he worked for both Entertainment UK and Comet within the Kingfisher Group.
Commenting on the new appointment, Greg Phillips, President of Fireworks International, said: “Jonathan’s appointment represents an important strategic development for Fireworks International and ContentFilm. We are thrilled to have him on board to lead our effort in identifying new digital opportunities and maximizing our revenue flow on our catalogue from the increasingly attractive digital universe.”
John Schmidt, CEO of ContentFilm, endorsed Phillips’ comments, adding, “The development of new media opportunities at ContentFilm is a high priority. Our first move in this area is the launch of HEAVY WORLDWIDE which we are bringing to the international marketplace now. Jonathan’s ability to work across multiple business lines will be key in this effort, and will also be a strategic asset to the broader ContentFilm library.”
About Fireworks International
Fireworks International, a division of the UK’s ContentFilm plc, acquires and distributes an extensive slate of television programs, feature films and digital content throughout the world. Fireworks’ library of over 2000 hours of programming includes BLOOD TIES, twenty-two hours of mystery drama with a twist of the supernatural; HEAVY Worldwide’s newest comedy and animated series as well as library from the highly successful U.S. digital brand HEAVY.com; kids’ gothic horror comedy series YOUNG DRACULA from CBBC; comedy series THE JANE SHOW and U.S. mystery drama series WHISTLER; along with action/adventure series Gene Roddenberry’s ANDROMEDA, MUTANT X, and RELIC HUNTER; children’s programs BLACK HOLE HIGH, 100 DEEDS FOR EDDIE MCDOWD, CAITLIN’S WAY; plus over 200 U.S. network miniseries and TV movies of the week; and over 100 theatrical feature films, and specials including the recently aired 2006 WOMEN’S WORLD AWARDS and the 2006 and 2007 Annual U.S. PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS shows.
For further information, please contact: Fireworks International: Samantha Witters
VP Marketing & Communications [email protected]
Tel + 00 44 207 851 6518
www.contentfilm.com
