Hasbro Studios hires new Executive Producer

While we anxiously wait for the new Hasbro-Discovery joint venture network to take the air, Hasbro Studios continues to make key personnel hires. For those who are not aware, Hasbro Studios will be in charge of creating new programming for this network, based of course on iconic Hasbro toys such as Transformers, G.I. Joe, My Little Pony and many more.

In August, Stephen Davis was named President of Hasbro Studios. Just last month, Linda Steiner was appointed General Manager. Today, courtesy of a Hasbro, Inc. press release comes the news that Kathy Samuels is the new Executive producer.

Here is an excerpt of that press release.

PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2009-- Kathy Samuels – an industry veteran with a proven track record of success during stints at both CBS Television Distribution Group (CTDG) and NBC – has been named Executive Producer at the newly-formed, Los Angeles-based Hasbro Studios. In this new role, Samuels will be responsible for overseeing production on a number of the Studio’s creative initiatives, covering a variety of program genres, according to Stephen J. Davis, Hasbro Studios President.

Samuels’ engagement follows her work at CTDG, television’s number one syndicator of programming. As CTDG’s Senior Vice President, Samuels was part of the team that oversaw the development, launch and programming of shows like “Rachel Ray”, “The Doctors”, “Entertainment Tonight” and “The Insider”.

“I've had the great fortune to work on some of the best brands in television,” Samuels said. “However, as a working mom, I've always had a personal and professional passion to make great television for kids, and in the kid and family arena, Hasbro owns and has access to the best brands in the business. I see Hasbro Studios as a perfect fit for my skills and interests, and it presents me with a wonderful opportunity.”

Prior to CTDG, Samuels spent more than a decade at NBC. As Senior Broadcast Producer, Samuels helped launch the nationally syndicated news magazine show “Access Hollywood” and its teen spin off “Real Access” for the Noggin network. Previously, she was the Entertainment Producer for KNBC Los Angeles.

Hasbro Studios president Stephen J. Davis said, “Kathy comes to Hasbro Studios with a solid track record as a top producer and has been closely involved with some of television’s most successful and enduring franchises. The Studio is establishing itself as a home for great talent – and Kathy’s vision and creativity complements the talented group of professionals we have been putting in place here.”
The Hasbro-Discovery JV Network is currently scheduled for a fall 2010 debut.

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