Bill Schultz Sets Up New Content Venture

LOS ANGELES: Bill Schultz, who stepped down as co-CEO of Moonscoop U.S. earlier this year, has formed a new venture, Home Plate Entertainment (HPE), which has already clinched a deal to represent a new property from Canada’s Yowza Animation.

HPE will focus on opportunities in the animation, kids and family spaces, working with creators, studios, co-pro partners and networks worldwide. “I wanted to create a global company that would allow me to continue to work with world-class partners on great projects, whether as an executive producer on one production or consulting studio executive.” said Schultz. “Home Plate Entertainment’s paradigm is flexibility and collaboration. With a small group of key top level talent, almost as a “virtual” studio, we are positioned to offer a range of top level IP development, financing, producing and distribution services to our partners and clients, on a “custom fit” basis.”

At MIPCOM, HPE will be presenting a new comedy series from Yowza, a boutique animation studio based in Toronto. “Bill’s keen eye for good projects and experience in working with global partners is complimentary to Yowza’s focus on quality as we expand our co-production business.” said Heather Walker, Yowza’s head of business development.

“Because of the realities of the current marketplace you need to be flexible in how you work with people—and not have too many constraints that prevent you from getting involved in some very exciting projects,” Schultz continued. "We can structure a deal to suit the specific requirements of the ‘opportunity,’ without having to get all rights or control."

Schultz remains a shareholder of Moonscoop and serves as executive producer on the Hero:108 and Rob Dyrdek’s Wild Grinders.