Shelley Zimmerman joins YouTube-star launching pad AwesomenessTV as head of scripted series
Warner Horizon Television’s Shelley Zimmerman has been tapped as head of scripted series for AwesomenessTV.
AwesomenessTV, which is owned by DreamWorks Animation and Hearst Corp., has grown into one of the Web’s biggest multichannel networks for emerging online talent. The network, which has more than 13 billion total views and 143 million subscribers, has served as an important launching pad for YouTube stars.
The Los Angeles-based company already produces original series for television and other platforms, including sketch series “AwesomenessTV,†which aired on Nickelodeon, and “Richie Rich†and “Project MC²,†both of which are on Netflix.
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Zimmerman, who most recently served as senior vice president of scripted programming for Warner Horizon, expanded the studio’s scripted series to various networks including ABC Family’s “Pretty Little Liars,†TNT’s “Dallas†and “Rizzoli and Isles†and Netflix’s “Longmire.â€
Before that, the TV executive worked as president of television development at Tollin/Robbins Productions, where she produced “Smallville,†“One Tree Hill†and “What I Like About You.â€
“After watching AwesomenessTV’s amazing growth these last few years as an outsider, I’m really excited about joining the team and working with Brian once again,†Zimmerman said in a statement.
Her appointment marks the latest in AwesomenessTV’s efforts to expand its digital footprint with added content to its channels and partnerships with other media companies.
Earlier this year, YouTube said that it is collaborating with AwesomenessTV to release several feature-length films over the next two years. Verizon Communications Inc. also recently announced that it was adding original programming, produced by AwesomenessTV, to new over-the-top channels as well as its upcoming go90 video service.
“I’m thrilled to reunite with Shelley,†Brian Robbins, AwesomenessTV founder and chief executive, said in a statement. “We had unprecedented success working together at Tollin/Robbins Productions.... With so many new distribution platforms creating opportunities for us, she will expand our studio slate of original series.â€
For more news on the entertainment industry, follow me @saba_h.
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