DreamWorks Animation named Katie O’Connell Marsh as the new head of global live action television in order to give a push to the production of the same.
Marsh, worked at Gaumont International Television as the CEO and spearheaded the French group’s expansion into English-language drama with series including NBC’s Hannibal and, on Netflix, Hemlock Grove and Narcos. She will now work out of DWA’s Glendale offices from January 2016.
At DreamWorks Animation Marsh’s central aim will be to move the DWA brand into live-action drama as it already has a strong track record adapting its hit cartoon franchises for the small screen.
DreamWorks, CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg said, “Katie’s proven track record of developing hit live-action television programming, coupled with her success in quickly building television businesses from the ground up, makes her the perfect executive to lead us into this new genre.”
DWA, President, Ann Daly said, “Moving into live-action would enable the company to further capitalise on the evolving television landscape by creating new opportunities on both traditional and emerging platforms for our branded series. It will also give DWA another creative lens to explore our library of rich storytelling and memorable characters that have resonated with audiences for the past two decades.”
“When Jeffrey and Ann approached me, I was impressed by the endless possibilities and unique specificity of the opportunities that lie ahead, as I have always admired the iconic and global DreamWorks Animation brand. The existing library of brands, coupled with a desire for original content, makes this opportunity incredibly special,” said Marsh.