Fireworks Launches New Media Division

LONDON, December 5: Fireworks
International has launched a new media division, tapping former Sony Pictures
Television International executive Jonathan Ford as VP of digital distribution.

At SPTI, Ford was director
of digital initiatives for Europe, following a stint as director of digital
entertainment for Europe at Sony Pictures Digital. Before that, he worked for
BT, Shell Consumer Digital, Freeserve and Kingfisher Group.

He will be responsible for licensing all of Fireworks
International’s new and library properties to digital media channels worldwide,
including on-demand, broadband and mobile platforms. He will also be
responsible for the rollout of Heavy Worldwide under the company’s distribution
deal with Heavy.com.

John
Schmidt, the CEO of ContentFilm, Fireworks International’s parent company,
commented, “The development of new media opportunities at ContentFilm is a high
priority. Our first move in this area is the launch of Heavy Worldwide, which
we are bringing to the international marketplace now. Jonathan’s ability to
work across multiple business lines will be key in this effort, and will also
be a strategic asset to the broader ContentFilm library.”