Toronto, Canada – September 14, 2015 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Claudia Balzer Scott-Hansen to the newly created position of Vice President, Distribution. Reporting to Managing Director Natalie Osborne, Scott-Hansen will be responsible for leading US and international distribution efforts, as 9 Story continues to grow its global footprint. Osborne will maintain oversight of distribution, consumer products and third party content acquisitions. Scott-Hansen will be based out of the New York area.
Claudia Balzer Scott-Hansen is an accomplished media professional with 20 years of experience in both transmedia platform distribution and global franchise development into key markets as varied as USA, Brazil, Mexico, Germany and Italy. Prior to joining 9 Story, Claudia was SVP/Group Director Broadcast, Americas and EMEA at HIT Entertainment (owned by Mattel since 2012), one of the world’s leading children’s entertainment producers and rights-owners. While at HIT, Claudia was responsible for all broadcast strategies and the distribution of HIT Entertainment and Mattel Inc. properties. Her recent achievements include the multi-platform placement, promotion and launch of iconic properties such as Thomas & Friends™, Angelina Ballerina™, Bob the Builder™, Barney™, Barbie™ and Monster High™ throughout North and South America.
In addition to content placement, Claudia’s expertise is integrating broadcast launches with consumer and retail marketing and promotions. Working with PBS, she is also proficient with syndication, curriculum-led programming and the processes associated with federal and private funding opportunities.
“Claudia’s experience with iconic children’s brands across international sales, marketing and licensing will be a tremendous asset to 9 Story,” said Natalie Osborne. “Her expertise will be extremely valuable to the continued growth of our distribution division and the expansion of new M&L lines of business.”
Prior to joining HIT in 2006, Claudia was the Head of Formats and Head of Southern European Distribution at BBC Worldwide, based in London. While at BBC Worldwide she also held the position of Head of European Licensing, and was instrumental in developing the brand and licensing strategy for the highly successful children’s properties Teletubbies into key territories and platforms in the EMEA region including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Middle East and South Africa. She also worked for two years under the BBC’s famous Natural History Unit, responsible for European Co-Productions.
Claudia received a joint BA in Political Science and Renaissance Literature from Boston College and was a recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship. She also completed a post-graduate program in International Studies through Drew University, followed by a one year post at the United Nations.
9 Story Media Group is a leading content creator, marketer and distributor of kids & family focused intellectual property. Recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Wild Kratts, Numb Chucks, Arthur and Peg + Cat, 9 Story represents over 1,800 half hours of animated and live action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. With one of North America’s largest animation studios, 9 Story employs over 250 creative and production staff in its Toronto facility and has produced over 900 half hours of award-winning children’s content. 9 Story recently acquired the award winning animation studio Brown Bag Films, which employs over 170 staff members across Dublin, Manchester and Los Angeles. Brown Bag is recognized for producing leading animated children’s series such as Octonauts, Doc McStuffins, Bing Bunny and Henry Hugglemonster. 9 Story is owned by senior management, ZMC (Zelnick Media Capital) and media entrepreneur Neil Court. www.9story.com
For further information:
Jennifer Ansley, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, 9 Story Media Group
+1 416 530-9900 ext 230, jennifera@9story.com