European production and sales studio Vuelta Group has bought German producer Telepool from Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook.
The deal, struck through Vuelta subsidiary SquareOne, will see a combined business operating under the SquareOne banner. SquareOne and Vuelta Group Germany CEO Al Munteanu will lead the banner, with Michael Heyd serving as CFO and COO.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but the combined group will boast a library of over 1,200 titles such as Drive, Intouchables, Olympus Has Fallen, Transporter 3 and the recently released One Life. It will form part of the growing Vuelta Group, which in July last year we revealed had formed through the acquisitions of SquareOne, Paris-based international sales firm Playtime Group and Nordic distributor-producer Scanbox.
Vuelta Group Chairman Jeromt Levy, who launched the group with $50M backing from an unnamed U.S. private equity firm, announced the news today along with Munteanu.
The deal, struck through Vuelta subsidiary SquareOne, will see a combined business operating under the SquareOne banner. SquareOne and Vuelta Group Germany CEO Al Munteanu will lead the banner, with Michael Heyd serving as CFO and COO.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but the combined group will boast a library of over 1,200 titles such as Drive, Intouchables, Olympus Has Fallen, Transporter 3 and the recently released One Life. It will form part of the growing Vuelta Group, which in July last year we revealed had formed through the acquisitions of SquareOne, Paris-based international sales firm Playtime Group and Nordic distributor-producer Scanbox.
Vuelta Group Chairman Jeromt Levy, who launched the group with $50M backing from an unnamed U.S. private equity firm, announced the news today along with Munteanu.
- 5/8/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
German distributor-producer SquareOne Entertainment, part of rising European film studio Vuelta Group, has acquired German film and TV production, distribution and licensing company Telepool, which was owned by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook.
The news was announced Wednesday by Vuelta Group chairman Jerome Levy and CEO of SquareOne and Vuelta Group Germany Al Munteanu.
Munteanu will spearhead the newly combined entity under the SquareOne banner with Michael Heyd serving as CFO/COO.
The newly combined SquareOne entity will boast a library consisting of over 1,200 titles such as “Drive,” “Intouchables,” “The Olympus Has Fallen,” “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” “Imitation Game,” “Lone Survivor,” “Book Club,” “Transporter 3,” “King Richard,” “Maurice the Tomcat” and the recently released “One Life” among others.
“For over 60 years, Telepool has been one of the leading global content houses and we are proud of the work we did with the company,” said Westbrook CEO Kosaku Yada.
The news was announced Wednesday by Vuelta Group chairman Jerome Levy and CEO of SquareOne and Vuelta Group Germany Al Munteanu.
Munteanu will spearhead the newly combined entity under the SquareOne banner with Michael Heyd serving as CFO/COO.
The newly combined SquareOne entity will boast a library consisting of over 1,200 titles such as “Drive,” “Intouchables,” “The Olympus Has Fallen,” “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” “Imitation Game,” “Lone Survivor,” “Book Club,” “Transporter 3,” “King Richard,” “Maurice the Tomcat” and the recently released “One Life” among others.
“For over 60 years, Telepool has been one of the leading global content houses and we are proud of the work we did with the company,” said Westbrook CEO Kosaku Yada.
- 5/8/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy and Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran media executive Yoko Higuchi-Zitzmann has been named the new CEO of Telepool, the German licensing, production and distribution company owned by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook.
Her appointment comes after Westbrook’s took full control of Telepool in December 2021. The Munich-based group is being positioned to play a major role in Westbrook’s international expansion strategy. Alongside Telepool, Westbrook have production partnerships with Mo Abudu’s Nigerian production studio EbonyLife and Yasushi Akimoto’s Akimoto Project in Japan. Last January, Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs’ Candle Media paid 60 million for a 10 percent stake in Westbrook.
As CEO, Higuchi-Zitzmann will oversee Telepool’s entire operation, from development, co-financing and co-production through to sales and distribution. Telepool’s subsidiaries include world sales group Global Screen and home entertainment label EuroVideo. The group is one of Europe’s leading licensors of film and television rights. Alongside its massive German rights library,...
Her appointment comes after Westbrook’s took full control of Telepool in December 2021. The Munich-based group is being positioned to play a major role in Westbrook’s international expansion strategy. Alongside Telepool, Westbrook have production partnerships with Mo Abudu’s Nigerian production studio EbonyLife and Yasushi Akimoto’s Akimoto Project in Japan. Last January, Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs’ Candle Media paid 60 million for a 10 percent stake in Westbrook.
As CEO, Higuchi-Zitzmann will oversee Telepool’s entire operation, from development, co-financing and co-production through to sales and distribution. Telepool’s subsidiaries include world sales group Global Screen and home entertainment label EuroVideo. The group is one of Europe’s leading licensors of film and television rights. Alongside its massive German rights library,...
- 1/24/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett’s Westbrook Inc. Sells Minority Stake to Blackstone-Backed Media Company
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett’s Westbrook Inc have sold a minority stake to Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs’ media company, which was finally given a name: Candle Media.
The deal with Westbrook is the latest for the Blackstone-backed venture, which previously acquired Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine and “CoComelon” producer Moonbug Entertainment. The company is also closing a deal for “Fauda” producer Faraaway Road Productions.
“We are thrilled to back Will and Jada and for the opportunity to work with Westbrook’s CEO Ko Yada and the rest of their incredibly talented team. They have established Westbrook as a home for world-class creators that is built for the digital age – which fully aligns with our company’s vision for the future of media. We are excited for what we can all achieve together with Blackstone in the years ahead,” Mayer and Staggs said.
The Information was first to report on the deal.
The deal with Westbrook is the latest for the Blackstone-backed venture, which previously acquired Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine and “CoComelon” producer Moonbug Entertainment. The company is also closing a deal for “Fauda” producer Faraaway Road Productions.
“We are thrilled to back Will and Jada and for the opportunity to work with Westbrook’s CEO Ko Yada and the rest of their incredibly talented team. They have established Westbrook as a home for world-class creators that is built for the digital age – which fully aligns with our company’s vision for the future of media. We are excited for what we can all achieve together with Blackstone in the years ahead,” Mayer and Staggs said.
The Information was first to report on the deal.
- 1/4/2022
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Kevin Mayer’s and Tom Staggs’s (still) unnamed media company is in talks to acquire Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Media.
Westbrook Media is the production company behind “Cobra Kai,” “Red Table Talk” and the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” drama reboot. Westbrook, which is led by CEO Kosaku Yada and President Tera Hanks, launched in 2019. It sold a dozen shows in 2020.
Should the talks turn into a deal, it’ll be a suitable follow-up to a big splash Mayer and Staggs made last month, when they purchased Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine for $900 million. Hello Sunshine is the production company behind HBO’s “Big Little Lies,” Hulu’s “Little Fires Everywhere” and Apple TV+ series “The Morning Show” — all of which starred Witherspoon. Hello Sunshine is also the home to Reese’s Book Club.
As part of that deal, Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine CEO Sarah Harden...
Westbrook Media is the production company behind “Cobra Kai,” “Red Table Talk” and the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” drama reboot. Westbrook, which is led by CEO Kosaku Yada and President Tera Hanks, launched in 2019. It sold a dozen shows in 2020.
Should the talks turn into a deal, it’ll be a suitable follow-up to a big splash Mayer and Staggs made last month, when they purchased Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine for $900 million. Hello Sunshine is the production company behind HBO’s “Big Little Lies,” Hulu’s “Little Fires Everywhere” and Apple TV+ series “The Morning Show” — all of which starred Witherspoon. Hello Sunshine is also the home to Reese’s Book Club.
As part of that deal, Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine CEO Sarah Harden...
- 9/13/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
At least nine staff members at Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s production company, Westbrook, Inc., tested positive for Covid-19 last week.
The outbreak was recorded on L.A. County’s public health website, listing nine staff members with laboratory-confirmed cases at Westbrook, Inc., located at 24151 Ventura Blvd #200, in Calabasas, California.
Reps for Westbrook, Inc. did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment on Friday, but told Variety that 10 staff members in all had tested positive last week and have all since been retested and found to be negative. In response to a request for clarification about the disparity in the number of cases, a rep for the Department of Public Health confirmed that they are aware of nine cases, and that “other details are still in process.”
Also Read: Will Smith and Warner Bros Settle 'King Richard' Lawsuit Over Breach of Contract
Westbrook also told Variety...
The outbreak was recorded on L.A. County’s public health website, listing nine staff members with laboratory-confirmed cases at Westbrook, Inc., located at 24151 Ventura Blvd #200, in Calabasas, California.
Reps for Westbrook, Inc. did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment on Friday, but told Variety that 10 staff members in all had tested positive last week and have all since been retested and found to be negative. In response to a request for clarification about the disparity in the number of cases, a rep for the Department of Public Health confirmed that they are aware of nine cases, and that “other details are still in process.”
Also Read: Will Smith and Warner Bros Settle 'King Richard' Lawsuit Over Breach of Contract
Westbrook also told Variety...
- 8/14/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
When the Covid pandemic hit, superstar Will Smith launched a Snapchat show about his life under quarantine, “Will From Home.” His wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, also talked about her quarantine life on her Facebook Watch show, “Red Table Talk.”
But their staff at Westbrook Inc. reported to work. Last week, 10 staffers tested positive for Covid-19.
The outbreak is the first significant transmission reported at a production company. It raises questions about the protocols in place to prevent infections, and whether it’s still too soon for production to restart.
Westbrook has given out relatively little information about the outbreak. In a statement issued to Variety on Thursday, the company said that production had halted on one project that involved the infected workers. The company did not identify the project.
Production continues on several other shows, which involve workers who were not infected, a company spokesperson said.
The company said that it had been following federal,...
But their staff at Westbrook Inc. reported to work. Last week, 10 staffers tested positive for Covid-19.
The outbreak is the first significant transmission reported at a production company. It raises questions about the protocols in place to prevent infections, and whether it’s still too soon for production to restart.
Westbrook has given out relatively little information about the outbreak. In a statement issued to Variety on Thursday, the company said that production had halted on one project that involved the infected workers. The company did not identify the project.
Production continues on several other shows, which involve workers who were not infected, a company spokesperson said.
The company said that it had been following federal,...
- 8/14/2020
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Will Smith’s production company Westbrook Studios has hired David Boorstein as senior vice president and head of scripted television development.
He will report to Terence Carter, co-president and head of television.
“I’m thrilled to join Jada, Will, Terence and the rest of the incredible team at Westbrook. I share their excitement to embrace the new challenges before us and help build a studio that is focused on empowering artists to create amazing television for all audiences,” Boorstein said.
Also Read: Most Americans Think Trump Was 'Too Slow' in Addressing Coronavirus Pandemic, Pew Survey Says
“David and I have worked together many times over the years, and I’ve seen firsthand his ability to successfully shepherd ideas to screen,” said Westbrook Studios Co-President and Head of Television Terence Carter. “In this unprecedented TV entertainment climate, I am thrilled to bring David’s advocacy for artists into the Westbrook fold...
He will report to Terence Carter, co-president and head of television.
“I’m thrilled to join Jada, Will, Terence and the rest of the incredible team at Westbrook. I share their excitement to embrace the new challenges before us and help build a studio that is focused on empowering artists to create amazing television for all audiences,” Boorstein said.
Also Read: Most Americans Think Trump Was 'Too Slow' in Addressing Coronavirus Pandemic, Pew Survey Says
“David and I have worked together many times over the years, and I’ve seen firsthand his ability to successfully shepherd ideas to screen,” said Westbrook Studios Co-President and Head of Television Terence Carter. “In this unprecedented TV entertainment climate, I am thrilled to bring David’s advocacy for artists into the Westbrook fold...
- 4/17/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
David Boorstein is joining Westbrook Studios as the senior vice president and head of scripted development, Variety has learned exclusively.
Westbrook Studios is a subsidiary of Westbrook Inc., which was founded in 2019 by Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Miguel Melendez and Kosaku Yada. In his new role, Boorstein will oversee scripted TV development. He will report to Westbrook Studios’ co-president and head of television, Terence Carter.
“David and I have worked together many times over the years, and I’ve seen firsthand his ability to successfully shepherd ideas to screen,” said Carter. “In this unprecedented TV entertainment climate, I am thrilled to bring David’s advocacy for artists into the Westbrook fold as we tell captivating stories across genres and mediums.”
Boorstein was most recently president of television for Antoine Fuqua’s Fuqua Films. There he oversaw the development of multiple shows, such as Fox’s “The Resident” and the Quibi series “#FreeRayshawn.
Westbrook Studios is a subsidiary of Westbrook Inc., which was founded in 2019 by Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Miguel Melendez and Kosaku Yada. In his new role, Boorstein will oversee scripted TV development. He will report to Westbrook Studios’ co-president and head of television, Terence Carter.
“David and I have worked together many times over the years, and I’ve seen firsthand his ability to successfully shepherd ideas to screen,” said Carter. “In this unprecedented TV entertainment climate, I am thrilled to bring David’s advocacy for artists into the Westbrook fold as we tell captivating stories across genres and mediums.”
Boorstein was most recently president of television for Antoine Fuqua’s Fuqua Films. There he oversaw the development of multiple shows, such as Fox’s “The Resident” and the Quibi series “#FreeRayshawn.
- 4/17/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios has hired former Global Road Television, Electus and Shine executive Eli Shibley as Svp, Head Of International Film And Television.
Shibley will focus the company’s efforts with filmmakers and creatives in the international market. He will oversee international content development, IP investment, production, and distribution, and will work to adapt projects locally in the U.S. and in overseas markets.
Shibley was previously President, International Distribution & Co-Productions at Global Road Television. Prior to that role, he was Senior Vice President at Electus where he launched Electus International and looked after co-production and distribution into UK and northern Europe. While there, he sold and produced two seasons of Bear Grylls: Mission Survive for ITV and was across acquisitions and adaptations of international formats, including Golden Globe-winner Jane The Virgin. Before Electus, Shibley launched Shine International’s London-based sales team, where...
Shibley will focus the company’s efforts with filmmakers and creatives in the international market. He will oversee international content development, IP investment, production, and distribution, and will work to adapt projects locally in the U.S. and in overseas markets.
Shibley was previously President, International Distribution & Co-Productions at Global Road Television. Prior to that role, he was Senior Vice President at Electus where he launched Electus International and looked after co-production and distribution into UK and northern Europe. While there, he sold and produced two seasons of Bear Grylls: Mission Survive for ITV and was across acquisitions and adaptations of international formats, including Golden Globe-winner Jane The Virgin. Before Electus, Shibley launched Shine International’s London-based sales team, where...
- 3/5/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Terence Carter is leaving 20th Century Fox Television to become co-president and head of television at Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios, overseeing TV production and development there.
“Terence’s deep relationships with creators, commitment to collaboration, and remarkable experience across television genres make him an excellent leader and creative force,” said Westbrook co-founders Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith in a statement. “We are incredibly excited to have Terence expanding and leading our television activities at Westbrook Studios.”
The TV exec will co-head the studio alongside Jon Mone, who was recently named co-president and head of film at Westbrook Studios, which is being led by CEO Kosaku Yada and president Tera Hanks. Carter, who was most recently executive vice president of drama and comedy at 20th Century Fox Television, prior to that served as exec VP of drama development, programming and event series for Fox Broadcasting.
“Terence’s deep relationships with creators, commitment to collaboration, and remarkable experience across television genres make him an excellent leader and creative force,” said Westbrook co-founders Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith in a statement. “We are incredibly excited to have Terence expanding and leading our television activities at Westbrook Studios.”
The TV exec will co-head the studio alongside Jon Mone, who was recently named co-president and head of film at Westbrook Studios, which is being led by CEO Kosaku Yada and president Tera Hanks. Carter, who was most recently executive vice president of drama and comedy at 20th Century Fox Television, prior to that served as exec VP of drama development, programming and event series for Fox Broadcasting.
- 9/26/2019
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Terence Carter, 20th Century Fox TV’s Evp Development, Drama and Comedy. is leaving the Disney-owned studio to join Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s recently launched Westbrook Studios as Co-President, Head Of Television.
Carter, who starts in early November, will oversee TV development and production for the indie studio, working alongside Jon Mone, who was recently appointed as Co-President of Westbrook Studios, Head of Film.
20th TV, part of Disney TV Studios, is expected to name a replacement for Carter who is leaving on good terms and will stay at the studio for several more weeks to finish some of his projects.
Carter, a well liked executive, is bringing more than a decade of senior-level development experience to Westbrook Studios, a division of Westbrook Inc, the new media venture Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith founded in July with Miguel Melendez and Kosaku Yada. It is...
Carter, who starts in early November, will oversee TV development and production for the indie studio, working alongside Jon Mone, who was recently appointed as Co-President of Westbrook Studios, Head of Film.
20th TV, part of Disney TV Studios, is expected to name a replacement for Carter who is leaving on good terms and will stay at the studio for several more weeks to finish some of his projects.
Carter, a well liked executive, is bringing more than a decade of senior-level development experience to Westbrook Studios, a division of Westbrook Inc, the new media venture Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith founded in July with Miguel Melendez and Kosaku Yada. It is...
- 9/26/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s new media venture, Westbrook Inc., has signed a co-development agreement for feature films, television shows and digital entertainment formats with German-based film and TV company Telepool. The move follows the acquisition of Telepool last year by Smith and Elysian Fields, a Zurich-based investment company.
Westbrook, launched this year by Smith, Pinkett Smith, Miguel Melendez and Kosaku Yada, is a holding company formed to house the Smith family’s global content and commerce businesses. Westbrook houses both newly launched and previously existing entities, including Overbrook Entertainment, Red Table Talk Enterprises, Westbrook Studios, Westbrook Media, the digital content studio, social media management and creative brand incubator, and direct-to-consumer business Good Goods.
Telepool ranks among Germany’s leading film and TV distributors and owns a global sales company, Global Screen, with more than 50 years of operating history.
The development pact kicks off with three premium film...
Westbrook, launched this year by Smith, Pinkett Smith, Miguel Melendez and Kosaku Yada, is a holding company formed to house the Smith family’s global content and commerce businesses. Westbrook houses both newly launched and previously existing entities, including Overbrook Entertainment, Red Table Talk Enterprises, Westbrook Studios, Westbrook Media, the digital content studio, social media management and creative brand incubator, and direct-to-consumer business Good Goods.
Telepool ranks among Germany’s leading film and TV distributors and owns a global sales company, Global Screen, with more than 50 years of operating history.
The development pact kicks off with three premium film...
- 9/19/2019
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran film production exec Jon Mone has been named by Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith as co-president of Westbrook Studios and head of motion pictures.
“Jon has an exceptional track record that speaks volumes to his creativity, talent relationships and incredible eye for storytelling,” said Westbrook Inc. co-founders Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith. “We could not be more thrilled to have him join the Westbrook family and are excited to build the Westbrook Studios film slate with Jon at the helm.”
In his new role, Mone will oversee production, development and acquisitions on behalf of the studio, building a film slate for global audiences with best-in-class creatives. Kosaku Yada leads the new venture as CEO and CAA’s former head of global client strategy Tera Hanks serves as Westbrook Inc.’s President.
Westbrook Studios will be naming a co-president and head of television in the coming months.
Mone...
“Jon has an exceptional track record that speaks volumes to his creativity, talent relationships and incredible eye for storytelling,” said Westbrook Inc. co-founders Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith. “We could not be more thrilled to have him join the Westbrook family and are excited to build the Westbrook Studios film slate with Jon at the helm.”
In his new role, Mone will oversee production, development and acquisitions on behalf of the studio, building a film slate for global audiences with best-in-class creatives. Kosaku Yada leads the new venture as CEO and CAA’s former head of global client strategy Tera Hanks serves as Westbrook Inc.’s President.
Westbrook Studios will be naming a co-president and head of television in the coming months.
Mone...
- 9/5/2019
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith have launched a new multimedia company, the power couple announced on Wednesday.
The venture, called Westbrook Inc., will be backing both new and existing projects from the family, which includes 21-year-old son Jaden and 18-year-old Willow, both of whom are actors and singers in their own right.
According to the Smith family announcement, projects ranging from short to mid-form digital content to more traditional mediums like television shows and feature-length movies will begin to launch under the Westbrook Inc. brand from now on.
“We are so excited to announce this new venture and...
The venture, called Westbrook Inc., will be backing both new and existing projects from the family, which includes 21-year-old son Jaden and 18-year-old Willow, both of whom are actors and singers in their own right.
According to the Smith family announcement, projects ranging from short to mid-form digital content to more traditional mediums like television shows and feature-length movies will begin to launch under the Westbrook Inc. brand from now on.
“We are so excited to announce this new venture and...
- 7/10/2019
- by Matt McNulty
- PEOPLE.com
Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith have launched Westbrook Inc., a multimedia venture that will encompass the subsidiary companies already owned by the Smiths, including Overbrook Entertainment and Red Table Talk Enterprises, the couple announced Wednesday.
Westbrook Inc. will also comprise the newly formed Westbrook Studios, Westbrook Media and the merchandising business Good Goods.
Kosaku Yada will lead the new venture as CEO. He is joined by CAA’s former head of global client strategy, Tera Hanks, who will serve as Westbrook Inc.’s president. The team is rounded out by COO Gila Jones, CFO Kevin McDonald and VP of Business Development Jesse Uram.
Also Read: 'Aladdin' Passes 'Independence Day' as Will Smith's Biggest Box Office Hit
Westbrook Inc. will create short and mid-form digital content as well as more traditional TV series and films. The company will begin launching content under the new banner starting later this month.
Westbrook Inc. will also comprise the newly formed Westbrook Studios, Westbrook Media and the merchandising business Good Goods.
Kosaku Yada will lead the new venture as CEO. He is joined by CAA’s former head of global client strategy, Tera Hanks, who will serve as Westbrook Inc.’s president. The team is rounded out by COO Gila Jones, CFO Kevin McDonald and VP of Business Development Jesse Uram.
Also Read: 'Aladdin' Passes 'Independence Day' as Will Smith's Biggest Box Office Hit
Westbrook Inc. will create short and mid-form digital content as well as more traditional TV series and films. The company will begin launching content under the new banner starting later this month.
- 7/10/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith are launching a new media venture, Westbrook Inc. It is a cross-platform holding company formed to execute the Smith Family’s global content and commerce business strategy.
Westbrook Inc. will encompass subsidiary companies including the existing Overbrook Entertainment, Red Table Talk Enterprises and the recently formed Westbrook Studios, Westbrook Media, and Good Goods, the latter an elevated merchandise business. Kosaku Yada will lead the new venture as CEO, and he is joined by Tera Hanks, CAA’s former Head of Global Client Strategy. Hanks has been named Westbrook Inc.’s President. Also heading the team are new COO Gila Jones, CFO Kevin McDonald and VP of Business Development Jesse Uram.
The idea behind Westbrook Inc. is to leverage the Smith Family’s experience and success in entertainment and media along with their proven success in new media and technology landscapes, and bring it under one roof.
Westbrook Inc. will encompass subsidiary companies including the existing Overbrook Entertainment, Red Table Talk Enterprises and the recently formed Westbrook Studios, Westbrook Media, and Good Goods, the latter an elevated merchandise business. Kosaku Yada will lead the new venture as CEO, and he is joined by Tera Hanks, CAA’s former Head of Global Client Strategy. Hanks has been named Westbrook Inc.’s President. Also heading the team are new COO Gila Jones, CFO Kevin McDonald and VP of Business Development Jesse Uram.
The idea behind Westbrook Inc. is to leverage the Smith Family’s experience and success in entertainment and media along with their proven success in new media and technology landscapes, and bring it under one roof.
- 7/10/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith are expanding their entertainment footprint. The powerhouse couple announced Wednesday they are starting a multimedia venture titled Westbrook Inc.
The forthcoming company will back new and existing projects from the Smith family, including short and mid-form digital content, as well as traditional TV shows and movies, in an effort to execute their global content. Westbrook Inc. will begin launching content this month.
“We are so excited to announce this new venture and fully immerse ourselves in all areas of the media and entertainment space,” Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith said in a statement. “With our incredible team of family, chosen family, and longtime business partners, Westbrook Inc.’s mission is to spread positive ideas, art, and products that entertain and empower the greatest number of lives, inspiring the next generation of artists to do good in the world.”
The newly formed Westbrook Studios will house new content,...
The forthcoming company will back new and existing projects from the Smith family, including short and mid-form digital content, as well as traditional TV shows and movies, in an effort to execute their global content. Westbrook Inc. will begin launching content this month.
“We are so excited to announce this new venture and fully immerse ourselves in all areas of the media and entertainment space,” Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith said in a statement. “With our incredible team of family, chosen family, and longtime business partners, Westbrook Inc.’s mission is to spread positive ideas, art, and products that entertain and empower the greatest number of lives, inspiring the next generation of artists to do good in the world.”
The newly formed Westbrook Studios will house new content,...
- 7/10/2019
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
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