• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, April 7, 2010

Vuguru, the "new media" production studio founded by Michael Eisner, on Wednesday named Kristin Jones as its new chief creative officer. Most recently, Jones served as SVP of production, international development, and Acquisitions at Miramax Films.

"Given the rapidly changing media landscape, new entertainment platforms are the future of our industry," said Jones. "I have always loved startup environments."

At Vuguru, Jones will be expected to boost the development of scripted entertainment projects across various media platforms.

The studio has been undergoing an executive makeover since October, when it took investment from Canada's Rogers Media, which resulted in a strategic partnership. Vuguru, which previously operated inside of Michael Eisner's Tornante Company, became a stand-alone entity as part of the Rogers deal, with Eisner serving as Chairman. Soon after, in December, the studio named Larry Tanz as its new president. Vuguru also entered into a long-term distribution agreement with Rogers for the exclusive Canadian rights to future projects and plans to ramp up production significantly.

Separately, Vuguru has named David Shall as its new head of business operations and general counsel.

In this role, Shall will lead Vuguru's business deal-making, while pursuing revenue opportunities both at home and abroad.

Shall was previously the EVP of business operations and general counsel at FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

Launched by The Tornante Company in late 2006 as a way to bypass the traditional Hollywood system, Vuguru achieved early success with the original Web series "Prom Queen".

Its 2010 slate is expected to include 10-15 new series, including "Prom Queen: The Homecoming," "The Booth at the End," a psychological thriller; and "Pretty Tough," an adaptation of a young adult novel from TV writer and producer Liz Tigelaar.

At Miramax Films for five years, Jones oversaw roughly 20 projects, including Academy Award winners Tsotsi and The Queen.

Prior to Miramax, she spent six years as vice president of production and European acquisitions at Buena Vista International, where she created a production label for the Disney international subsidiary and oversaw all projects, including Calendar Girls.