DreamWorks Animation Taps Katie O’Connell Marsh for Live-Action Push

December 8, 2015 World Screen
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GLENDALE: Katie O'Connell Marsh, formerly the CEO of Gaumont International Television, has been appointed head of global live-action television at DreamWorks Animation (DWA).

Marsh will oversee the expansion of DWA's television business into the live-action genre. She begins her duties in January 2016, based at the Glendale headquarters.

Previously, Marsh served as the head of Gaumont International Television since 2010. She was also with NBC at one time, serving as senior VP of development and later as executive VP of drama programming.

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"Television has quickly grown into one of our most successful businesses and, as the demand for kids and co-viewing content continues to rise, extending the DreamWorks Animation brand to live-action TV in a strategic and financially disciplined way will spur even further growth," said Jeffrey Katzenberg, the CEO of DreamWorks Animation. "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."

"Our move into live-action will enable DWA to further capitalize on the evolving television landscape by creating new opportunities on both traditional and emerging platforms for our branded series," added Ann Daly, the president of DreamWorks Animation. "Moreover, live action will give us yet another creative lens with which 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," said Marsh. "The existing library of brands, coupled with a desire for original content, makes this opportunity incredibly special. I look forward to working with Jeffrey, Ann and everyone at DWA."