MUMBAI: Warner Bros. International Television Distribution (WBITD) has formed a new international production unit that plans to establish operating production companies in major territories around the world with the mandate to create locally produced versions of programs owned by the Studio and to develop original local programming on a market by market basis.
To oversee the activities of the newly formed group, the company has named Ronald Goes as executive vice president and head of international television production.
Warner Bros. International Television president Jeffrey R. Schlesinger said, "After a long search for the right person, we are extremely excited to have Ronald join Warner Bros to lead us in this important undertaking. He brings a great depth of knowledge, experience and numerous personal relationships which should enable us to launch this business quickly and effectively. It is no secret that local programming is the most popular genre on television around the world. It is our ambition to become a leading producer of scripted and non-scripted programming locally, to complement the top-quality finished programming that we distribute internationally. Despite the current economic slowdown and the short-term challenges that it has created for independent production, we are committed to this business and plan to invest today for long-term rewards in the future. We think that the combination of the resources and creativity already existing at the Studio and the talent that we expect to attract to work with us internationally will enable us to build a significant production business in a number of countries, and add new complementary programming and formats to our catalogue for worldwide distribution."
Relocating from his native country the Netherlands, Goes will be based in the UK for WBITD and will report to Schlesinger. In his new role, he will be responsible for conceptualizing, building and executing the international television production strategy for WBITD around the world, including: Setting up production companies in key territories by partnering with local producers, acquiring existing companies, or building new ones by hiring local talent and providing them with funding and resources.
He will also be responsible for exploiting the Studio’s scripted and non-scripted intellectual properties through the development and production of local versions in individual territories.
Goes’ portfolio will also include identifying and acquiring international formats for acquisition by WBITD to produce for the international marketplace and for Warner Bros. Television, Warner Horizon Television or Telepictures Productions to develop in the U.S; developing and producing new programming in local markets based upon the needs and tastes of the local market by working with local talent.
In order to execute this strategy, Goes will be hiring a team of professionals in the UK, Burbank and selected international territories to execute both the business and creative aspects of the operation.
