CAKE & Kickstart Tap Disney Alum for New Production Venture

CAKE and Kickstart Entertainment have launched CakeStart, a full-service production company that will develop and produce live-action projects.

Kory Lunsford, former head of current and VP of original series at Disney Branded Television, will lead the new venture as president and partner. Lunsford has been responsible for developing and producing some of Disney’s biggest hit series over the last 20 years, including Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, Even Stevens, Lizzie McGuire, Good Luck Charlie, Liv and Maddie, Jessie, Bunk’d, The Proud Family, Andi Mack and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.

CakeStart will have studio operating capabilities across four countries, including soundstages in the U.S. CAKE will handle global distribution on all CakeStart productions.

“Kory Lunsford has developed and produced amazing content over the last 20 years and he has extensive relationships with creators, writers, filmmakers and talent,” said Kickstart Founder and CEO Jason Netter. “Bringing those talents together with CAKE and Kickstart will give us the foundation to grow our ability to create and exploit global live-action content in the kids and family space.”

Ed Galton, CEO at CAKE, said, “We’ve seen a growing demand for live-action content from all over the world and are excited to be partnering with Kickstart and Kory whose expertise and reputation as one of the most seasoned veterans in the industry, brings significant firepower to the growth of this business.”

Lunsford said, “I am incredibly honored and thrilled to be partnering with Jason and Ed on this new venture. Combining the stellar reputations of CAKE and Kickstart with my experience and passion for delivering the highest quality content for kids and family audiences around the world has us all very excited about the endless opportunities that lie ahead.”