Fullscreen Hires Former Hulu, Astronauts Wanted Execs To Lead Content Group

Fullscreen has continued its recent string of hires by adding two new names to its content teams. In a company memo, CEO George Strompolos welcomed former Chernin Group and Astronauts Wanted exec Billy Parks and former Hulu exec Bryan Thoensen to the company.

Both Parks and Thoensen will take on senior vice president roles at the top multi-channel network. They will in charge of a new strategic content group, which will operate under the Otter Media umbrella thanks to the Chernin Group and AT&T joint venture’s purchase of Fullscreen in September 2014.

“As I spend time with brand marketing leaders and our distribution platform partners, I have recognized the strong demand for premium, innovative content programs that require more immersive strategies and greater resources,” writes Strompolos of the new content group. “In response to the market demand, and to fulfill the needs of our partners, I am excited to announce that we’re expanding our content studio capabilities to develop comprehensive, high-touch programs with a select number of brands and platforms.”

The two men Fullscreen has chosen to lead its new venture come with lots of experience under their respective belts. At Chernin Group, Parks was co-creator of the innovative web series @SummerBreak. He continued to work on that project after moving to Astronauts Wanted, and also produced the Grace Helbig and Mamrie Hart travel show #HeyUSA. Most recently, he was revealed as a producer for SnapperHero, a new series on Snapchat that features YouTube and Vine stars. Through these projects, Parks has often crossed paths with Fullscreen; now, he will work there full time.

As for Thoensen, the former Hulu exec worked on branded content projects like Farmed and Dangerous and The 4 to 9ers before leaving the company in November 2014. His experience in working with brands is well-suited to his new role with Fullscreen, as the new studio’s output will include some branded content.

News of Fullscreen’s two new hires was first reported by Variety.