AwesomenessTV and Verizon, which are slated to launch a new content venture after the telecommunications giant purchased a 24.5% stake in the Gen Z-leaning media company last April, have announced that TV industry veteran Russell Rothberg will serve as SVP of creative for the as-yet-unnamed service.
Rothberg will report to Samie Kim Falvey, ABC Entertainment’s former EVP of comedy development and international scripted development, who joined the initiative as chief content officer in August. The new service will feature premium short-form mobile content, according to a release, and Rothberg will be charged with overseeing development and production for a variety of genres.
Before joining AwesomenessTV, Rothberg served as the EVP of drama development at Universal Television, where he developed hit shows like Bates Motel, The Path, Chicago Fire, Shades Of Blue, Emerald City, Midnight Texas, Pure Genius, and Gypsy — a forthcoming Netflix series starring Naomi Watts. Prior to his role at Universal, Rothberg served as VP of current programming for Fox Broadcasting Company, where he oversaw House, Bones, American Dad, and The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
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“Russell’s ability to connect with creators has made him a stand-out executive in the industry, and I am thrilled to have him join our team,” Falvey said in a statement. “Together we will create exceptional mobile-friendly programming with the best auspices for our new platform.” Adds Rothberg: “AwesomenessTV has changed the way youth audiences are watching their favorite series and films. I am honored to be joining such a successful and innovative company, and I am excited to be part of this new endeavor.”
While little is known about the upcoming video service, it will reportedly live on Verizon’s Go90 mobile platform and feature premium transactional content developed by traditional Hollywood studios, production companies, writers, directors, and actors.
