Fox Entertainment sets up global sales division for in-house content

Fox Entertainment is launching a global content sales division to distribute the growing slate of originals that it generates in-house.

Fernando Szew

The new LA-based division, Fox Entertainment Global, will oversee international sales and distribution of IP produced under Fox Entertainment and its roster of in-house studios, including Fox Alternative Entertainment, Fox Entertainment Studios, Studio Ramsay Global and Bento Box Entertainment.

In addition to IP generated and produced within the Fox group, the new unit will also handle sales of some content acquired from third-party producers.

Fox said the launch of Fox Entertainment Global represents its “formal re-entry” into the international TV market, with the move designed to further diversify and monetise its growing portfolio of wholly owned originals.

Fernando Szew, the CEO and founding partner of Fox-owned MarVista Entertainment, has been named CEO of Fox Entertainment Global. He will report to Stefan Reinhardt, president, production strategy and operations, Fox Entertainment.

The official market launch of Fox Entertainment Global will take place at Mipcom next month, where the division will introduce several new titles to buyers.

Those include the animated series Krapopolis, created by Dan Harmon; Grimsburg, starring and executive produced by Jon Hamm; and single-camera comedy Animal Control. Krapopolis and Grimsburg are produced by Fox’s animation studio Bento Box Entertainment, while Animal Control is from its scripted production unit, Fox Entertainment Studios.

In addition, Fox Entertainment Global will manage content sales on behalf of MarVista Entertainment, which Fox acquired last year. MarVista will continue to operate as an independent brand under Fox Entertainment, with Szew continuing to run it.

MarVista’s chief operating officer, Tony Vassiliadis, will also serve as executive VP of Fox Entertainment Global, reporting to Szew.

Charlie Collier

The new sales division will continue to collaborate with Fox’s existing unscripted distribution partners, LA-based Propagate Content and Canada’s Incendo.

“Carefully curated, high-quality storytelling, delivered directly to the international community through Fox Entertainment Global, will quickly become a differentiator for Fox,” said Charlie Collier, CEO of Fox Entertainment.

“This newly formed distribution arm is uniquely positioned to develop customised international partnership opportunities, particularly apropos as so many competing programmers focus solely on vertical integration. Fox Entertainment Global strategically complements Fox Entertainment’s long-term strategy of building a disciplined in-house infrastructure that supports its growing portfolio of owned content.”

Szew added: “Now, with an impressive, growing slate of in-house content, this expansion and formation of Fox Entertainment Global is a clear representation of our building on Fox’s undeniable entrepreneurial spirit and absolute independence to bring value to our creative and platform partners. It’s a thrill and honour to help re-introduce Fox to the global market at Mipcom and beyond.”