Vuguru Names New President

Larry Tanz

Vuguru, the new media production studio founded by Michael Eisner, on Monday named Larry Tanz as its new president. Tanz most recently served as president of Agility Studios, which he co-founded, and which develops, finances, and produces entertainment-oriented digital franchises, such as the recently announced Legion of Extraordinary Dancers, Ultradome and The Shatner Project.

"High-quality, story-driven content has always found an audience," said Tanz. "With the recent explosion of video consumption on digital platforms the audience is finally here."

Prior to Agility, Tanz served as President and Chief Executive Officer of LivePlanet, with co-founders that included Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, where he produced various film, television, and new media projects including Project Greenlight.

Noting his ability to cultivate relationships and manage talent, Eisner said of Tanz: "His entrepreneurial experience and track record for marrying high-quality creative content with strong fiscal management will enable him to achieve our long-term vision for Vuguru."

The appointment of Tanz comes on the heels of an investment and strategic partnership that Vuguru struck with Canada's Rogers Media in October.

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.

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.

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".

The 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.

1 comment about "Vuguru Names New President".
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  1. Jonathan Mirow from BroadbandVideo, Inc., December 15, 2009 at 1:21 p.m.

    Smart.

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