New Head of Studio for Film Roman

BURBANK, November 14:
Starz Media-owned Film Roman has promoted Jay Fukuto to head of studio,
overseeing all animation
production operations for TV series, feature films, home entertainment, commercials
and visual effects.

Previously
the head of production for Film Roman, Fukuto in his new role will report to Kent Rice, the CEO of Starz Animation, a division
of Starz Media.
He will be based in Film Roman's headquarters in Burbank. Prior to joining Film
Roman in 2006, Fukuto was VP of entertainment for MGA Entertainment in Los
Angeles, where he served as the executive in charge of the popular BRATZ and Alien Racers series. Prior to this, he worked at Walt Disney
Television Animation, playing a key role in series such as Kim Possible and Lilo &
Stitch: The Animated Series, among others.

"Since
Jay joined Film Roman two years ago, his business acumen, creative vision and
long-standing relationships within the industry have played an integral role in
Film Roman's success," Rice commented. "Not only am I delighted to
reward him for his many contributions with this promotion, I'm confident his
leadership will help further build Film Roman's leading position in both the
traditional media and expanding multiplatform universe."

"For
25 years, Film Roman has set the standard for top-quality animation, recently
winning its 22nd Emmy Award, and now is a particularly active and productive
time for the studio, so I'm honored to be given this responsibility, and
relieved to know I'm working with the best in the animation business,"
Fukuto added. "With new series, features, TV specials, DVD shorts and
new-media projects all in production, I'm excited about the opportunities
ahead."

Titles
currently produced by Film Roman include Starz Media's animated feature Dead Space: Downfall, FOX's The Simpsons and King of the Hill, ABC's The
Goode Family, Marvel Animation's Marvel
Superhero Squad and Starz Media's kids' offering Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! on Nick, Jr.

—By
Kristin Brzoznowski