MGM International Television Distribution Hires Former Shine Exec

LOS ANGELES: Former Shine International exec Matt Vassallo has been tapped to join MGM International Television Distribution as its senior VP of international TV distribution, free-TV sales and Latin America.

Vassallo will take on the role October 1, assuming the responsibilities of MGM’s Latin America VP Vinicio Espinosa, who is exiting the studio early next year to launch an independent production company. Vassallo will work out of Los Angeles, where he’ll report directly to Chris Ottinger, the president of international television distribution and acquisitions for MGM.

The exec’s duties will include managing the distribution and sales strategy of all MGM content internationally for free TV and advertiser-supported VOD. He will also oversee sales of all MGM content in Latin America in all TV-distribution channels including on-demand digital platforms, basic, free and pay-TV services.

Vassallo previously served as senior VP of international distribution at Shine International, focusing on sales into the U.S. and Latin America.

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to MGM’s International Television Distribution group,” said Ottinger. “Matt has outstanding relationships with his clients and has brokered a number of noteworthy international deals in his tenure. I am confident that given Matt’s many years of experience and expertise in the international marketplace, he will be an invaluable addition to our team.”

“Overseeing the distribution of all MGM content internationally for free television, as well as distributing all television rights into Latin America, is an exciting new challenge,” Vassallo commented. “It is a great honor to embark on this next phase of my career with MGM, an iconic studio with global recognition, and a pedigree that dates back to the inception of filmed entertainment. I look forward to joining Chris Ottinger and the rest of the MGM International Television Distribution group.”