GRB Moves into Scripted

LOS ANGELES: GRB International has expanded its distribution activity to include scripted programming, coming alongside the promotion of Marielle Zuccarelli to president of the international distribution division.

Zuccarelli will expand her responsibilities to include feature-length films and scripted TV movies. Also part of this company expansion, Todd Olsson becomes the VP of feature films. Olsson will report to Zuccarelli. Most recently, Olsson was the VP of international at Sobini Films.

Zuccarelli tells World Screen Newsflash: "We have always maintained a strong interest in scripted programming but the timing never seemed right. Over the past several years my primary focus has been to build our catalogue of non-scripted and to develop strategic relationships with powerhouse companies such as CNBC, Discovery, Magical Elves, Intuitive….

"Earlier this year, the timing was perfect. I had a chance meeting with Todd Olsson, and discussed GRBs interest in launching a feature film division. Within weeks, Olsson joined GRB as the VP of our newly formed feature flms department. With a strategy in place, we hit the ground running and never looked back."

She added, "Our initial goal is to acquire 10 to 15 features a year, both, theatrical and made for TV movies. By 2012, we are planning to produce our own films. GRB is known for its disastertainment catalogue and we will continue our focus in this niche by producing great films based on real-life extreme survival or rescue stories."