MUMBAI: In a restructuring move that is designed to complement Universal Pictures' existing operations and continued organic growth, the company is dedicating new efforts in the family arena.
A Universal Studios Home Entertainment Family Productions (USHEFP) unit has been established.
The new unit's day-to-day operations will be overseen by family entertainment veteran Glenn Ross, who has been appointed to serve as the unit's GM/ executive VP. USHEFP will develop, produce, and acquire live-action and animated family productions directly for the home entertainment market, as well as television. Universal has stated that this move clearly underscores its commitment to expand its reach in the made-for-DVD arena.
All Universal production entities developing and producing family-oriented product for the home entertainment and television sectors will now fall under the USHEFP banner, including the Universal Cartoon Studios, which will report directly to Glenn Ross. Also, as a part of the restructuring, London-based Universal Pictures Visual Programming President Hugh Rees-Parnall will now report to Universal Pictures International president Pete Smith.
Universal Pictures chairman Stacey Snider said, "As the home entertainment business continues its exponential growth, we feel now more than ever the time is right to capitalize on the tremendous demand for superior family-friendly content made specifically for DVD consumers. We have had tremendous success in the made-for-DVD arena to date and we are confident that by dedicating even greater attention to this platform, we will deliver exceptional entertainment that will appeal to the broadest range of audiences."
Ross says, "I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the extensive assets and talents available at Universal Studios. As the family entertainment business continues to grow, the engine for continued growth will be the ability of our industry to identify new and creative programming to fuel demand. Universal Studios Home Entertainment Family Productions is
committed to creating and acquiring compelling and innovative films that will position us as a leader in this category."
