Michelle Mendelovitz Named Head Of Mattel Television Studios
Former 20th Television Head of Drama Michelle Mendelovitz has been tapped to take the reins as Head of Mattel Television Studios.
In her new role, Mendelovitz will oversee the development, production, and distribution of Mattel’s slate of episodic content on broadcast and streaming globally. She reports to Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer, Mattel.
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“Michelle is a powerful creative leader with a wealth of experience working with top studios and creators to make innovative, quality content across genres and platforms,” said Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO of Mattel. “We are excited for her to join at a time of such momentum for the company, and for the important role she will play in developing stories that resonate in culture and growing Mattel’s global fan base.”
Mendelovitz moves to Mattel following senior roles at Disney 20th Television Studios, Apple TV+, Sony Pictures Television, and CBS Television Network. She most recently served as Executive Producer, Hiddenlight Productions, working with Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton to develop a suite of scripted projects for the initial slate for their production company.
“The opportunity to connect worldwide audiences with Mattel’s iconic brands, franchises, and characters through high-quality storytelling is greater than ever before,” said Silverman. “I look forward to the impact Michelle and Mattel Television Studios will have on expanding the content slate to the delight of our fans around the globe.”
At Disney 20th Television Studios as SVP, Head of Drama Development, Mendelovitz managed more than 250 projects in various stages of development and production across all Disney platforms and other streamers including Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Peacock. She was previously a Senior Creative Executive for Scripted & Unscripted Programming at Apple. During her tenure there, Mendelovitz played a leading role in the launch of Apple TV+ and oversaw various straight-to-series scripted shows and docuseries such as the Emmy-nominated Severance, as well as For All Mankind and the Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry mental health documentary series The Me You Can’t See.
As Vice President, Scripted Programming (Drama & Comedy) at Sony Pictures Television, Mendelovitz oversaw all creative and production needs on numerous series for broadcast networks and streaming platforms, including Bloodline for Netflix and The Good Doctor for ABC. She started her career at CBS Television in comedy development.
Mendelovitz added: “Mattel is a globally revered brand that I’ve always admired for its ability to empower and relate to their audience generation after generation. Taking that bold spirit to speak to themes that impact people’s worlds, while simultaneously entertaining audiences of all ages, is what we are focused on as we grow Mattel Television Studios into an inspiring storytelling home for best-in-class creators. I’m so thrilled and honored to join the Mattel team as we take our brands and franchises to a whole new level.”
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