V10 Entertainment bolsters global distribution operation with three hires

Matt Vassallo

LA-based media group V10 Entertainment has expanded its international distribution operation with the appointment of three execs covering multiple global territories.

Former Amazon MGM Studios exec Matt Vassallo will oversee sales in Latin America, Australia and New Zealand from LA, while London-based ViacomCBS alum Michelle Payne will lead sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and distribution veteran Poh Lin Ho will oversee Southeast Asian sales from Malaysia.

The trio will work with V10’s co-heads of global licensing and distribution, Samantha Cooper and Josh Vodnoy, to expand sales of the company’s catalogue and formats internationally.

Vassallo joins after more than 15 years in content acquisitions, distribution, sales strategy, business development and coproductions. He most recently served as head of series acquisitions and distribution strategy at Amazon MGM Studios, having previously been executive VP of international distribution at MGM Studios.

Payne has held senior sales roles across EMEA, most recently consulting for Fox as it established its local sales operation. She previously spent time as a senior VP at ViacomCBS, overseeing sales across the UK, Ireland, Africa, Benelux and the wider EMEA region.

Ho has more than 35 years’ experience in content acquisition, regional syndication and media investment. She previously spent more than three decades as CEO of a Southeast Asian entertainment marketing and distribution company and now operates as an independent distributor.

The hires come ahead of Mipcom, with V10 looking to grow its international footprint for both finished programming and clip-show formats.

V10’s slate includes America’s Funniest Videos, America’s Funniest People, Hooligans: The ARCH Racing Project starring Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger and live MotoAmerica racing.

“As V10 continues to expand its footprint across every major market, we’re bringing on world-class executives who understand the nuances of local audiences and platforms,” said Cooper.

“This global buildout allows us to maximize the reach of our flagship properties like Hooligans with Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger, to live MotoAmerica races, to AFV with Alfonso Ribiero – all while unlocking new territories for our clip show formats.”

Vodnoy added: “We’re thrilled to accelerate our international distribution efforts just ahead of Mipcom. V10’s formats feature world-class talent and compelling concepts that resonate with audiences around the globe. We look forward to leveraging our strategic partners to champion our IP internationally, expand our reach into new territories, and build lasting opportunities for our content in key markets.”