Sega Taps Former Break Media Exec To Adapt Its Video Games For Film, TV, Digital

In order to expand its properties across multiple platforms, Sega has turned to an executive with experience in the action genre. The video game publisher has hired Evan Cholfin, formerly of Break Media, who will create adaptations of Sega video games for film, TV, and digital outlets.

Cholfin  has become the head of development and production at a studio called Stories International, a joint venture between Sega and ad agency Hakuhodo DY Group. According to Variety, where the news was first reported, the studio is first focusing on five different classic Sega franchises: Streets of Rage, Shinobi, Altered Beast, Crazy Taxi, and Rise of Nightmares. Noticeably absent from Variety’s report is Sonic the Hedgehog; Sega’s most popular character (and its unofficial mascot) has been adapted for several animated series, though he has never appeared in a feature film.

While at Break, Cholfin served as producer for a number of projects aimed at the media company’s young, male target audience. Most recently, he co-produced Higher Power, a sci-fi feature film. “With his impeccable taste and experience developing and producing entertainment in nearly every format imaginable, Evan is the unique executive to revitalize and canonize our partners’ brands by working with Hollywood to create stories that will last for centuries,” said Stories CEO Tomoya Suzuki.

Sega, which first gained popularity through consoles like the Master System and Genesis, has served as a third-party developer since the demise of the Dreamcast in 2001. With its new venture, Sega will hearken back to its glory days while simultaneously injecting new life into some of its most successful titles.