9 Story Launches Live-Action Division, Appoints New VP

9 Story Media Group has launched a new live-action division and tapped Jeremy Slutskin to be the VP of live-action development and production.

The new division will soon debut its slate of live-action programming, which includes the family show TombQuest based on Michael Northrop’s New York Times best-selling book series. 9 Story has also inked a three-series development deal with Emmy Award-winning producer Tom Lynch (The Secret World of Alex Mack, Scout’s Safari).

9 Story previously announced the preschool series Blue’s Clues for Nickelodeon. The show is currently being produced by the company’s new in-house live-action team and Brown Bag Film’s 3D and 2D animation teams.

Slutskin, who will report to Chief Creative Officer Angela Santomero, will lead the creative live-action content strategy. An Emmy-nominated and award-winning producer, writer and director, Slutskin’s career highlights include working on such programs as Chase Champion, Blue’s Room, Sesame Street and Team Umizoomi. From 2006 to 2018, Slutskin owned and operated Hyperactive Content, a production company that created and produced long- and short-form content for all platforms.

“Launching this new live-action division is a natural next step in the company’s expansion,” said Vince Commisso, president and CEO for 9 Story. “Building on our live-action successes in the past, including Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars and the YouTube Original Furze World Wonders, we will be creating compelling and unique live-action content in a more purposeful way. With a robust slate and sound strategy under the experienced leadership of Jeremy Slutskin, the new live-action division will produce a whole new array of exceptional kids’ content you won’t be able to find anywhere else.”

Santomero added: “We are thrilled to welcome Jeremy to the 9 Story team. We believe there is a strong need for empowering live-action and mixed media content for kids that comes from our innovative sensibility, forward-thinking creative and breakthrough approach to story. Jeremy is just the talent to bring this to fruition.”

Slutskin commented: “I am ecstatic to expand this role and lead the company’s live-action strategy for kids, teens and families. We look forward to working further with top creative talent to bring a whole new slate of unique series to audiences around the world.”