9 Story Media chief creative officer Angela C Santomero departs, Harris moves up

Angela C Santomero has left her post as chief creative officer at 9 Story Media, the Toronto-based company has revealed.

Angela C Santomero

Santomero joined the company in 2018 after 9 Story acquired Out of the Blue Enterprises, the New York-based outfit she co-founded in 2005.

Around five months after the acquisition, Santomero was elevated to CCO and Out of the Blue Enterprises was rebranded under the 9 Story banner.

Santomero, who created and exec produced preschool series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Blue’s Clues & You!, will continue to work with 9 Story and its animation studio Brown Bag Films in various capacities, as well as being retained in an ongoing consulting role.

During her time at 9 Story, she also oversaw titles including Rosie’s Rules, Karma’s World and Get Rolling with Otis.

With Santomero’s departure, Wendy Harris will serve as senior VP and head of creative affairs for 9 Story’s creative affairs group. Harris has worked on several franchise series including Blue’s Clues, in addition to co-creating and executive producing several others.

Wendy Harris

9 Story’s development VPs in New York, Toronto and Dublin will continue to report to Harris, who will report to president and CEO Vince Commisso. The senior management team across production, research and interactive in New York will also report to Harris.

“Angela has gone back to her first love, which is creating shows for kids,” said Commisso.

“She’s been an invaluable leader, creator and contributor to 9 Story and her vision and passion have dramatically improved the creative quotient of the business.”

Santomero said: “I am grateful to 9 Story Media Group for acquiring Out of the Blue and for the opportunity to create and develop IP with kids at the centre.”

Commisso said of Harris’s promotion: “Wendy has been a tremendous leader within our creative affairs team for the past five years and we are excited for her to take on this expanded role. She is a highly accomplished producer and creative executive and I am confident she will continue to strategically grow our IP with her signature style of collaboration, creativity and vision.”