GBI’s Newman picked by Pocket.watch

A fledging US children’s firm that counts Les Moonves and Robert Downey Jr. among its investors has appointed Genius Brand International’s (GBI) Stone Newman as chief revenue officer.

Founded by Chris M Williams in March 2017, Pocket.watch creates, acquires and distributes entertainment for kids aged between two and 11.

Its management team is made up of studio veterans from traditional and digital entertainment including Albie Hecht, Jon Moonves and David B. Williams.

The firm has now tapped Newman, most recently president of global consumer products, worldwide content sales and marketing at GBI, to focus on sponsorship, licensing and content sales.

Pocket.watch currently owns and operates a variety of YouTube channels and has a partnership with YouTube network HobbyKidsTV.

It is also developing a slate of series, which Newman will be responsible for bringing to the global market of television and streaming services.

The shows include a live-action sketch comedy called Pocket.watch Presents Skoogle, which is being developed in partnership with Saturday Night Live’s Kenan Thompson.

Investors that have helped Pocket.watch generate US$6m in Series A funding include United Talent Agency alongside CBS president and CEO Les Moonves and actor Robert Downey Jr.