9 Story bolsters live-action arm

Canadian kids’ TV specialist 9 Story Media Group has created a live-action department and appointed the former owner of Hyperactive Content to run the new division.

Jeremy Slutskin

Jeremy Slutskin has been made VP, live-action development and production and will lead the creative content strategy for the unit, reporting to chief creative officer Angela Santomero.

From 2006 to 2018, Slutskin owned and operated New York-based prodco Hyperactive Content, which created long- and shortform multi-platform content for the global industry.

During his 12 years at the firm, he created, wrote, directed and produced content for a range of companies including Nintendo, Awesomeness, Nickelodeon, Sesame Street, NBCUniversal and Mattel.

As an exec producer, Slutskin worked on many high-profile shows, such as Nickelodeon’s web series Chase Champion, Blue’s Clues spin-off Blue’s Room and Sesame Street.

9 Story will debut the new division at the forthcoming Kidscreen market, with a slate of productions aimed at kids aged two to 14 and families. These include a three-series development deal with The Secret World of Alex Mack producer Tom Lynch and TombQuest, based on the bestselling Scholastic book series from author Michael Northrop.

“Launching this new live-action division is a natural next step in the company’s expansion,” said Vince Commisso, president and CEO for 9 Story. “Building on our live-action successes in the past, including Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars and the YouTube original Furze World Wonders, we will be creating compelling and unique live-action content in a more purposeful way.”

“We believe there is a strong need for empowering live-action and mixed media content for kids that comes from our innovative sensibility, forward-thinking creative and breakthrough approach to story,” added Santomero.