Genius Brands Taps DreamWorks Alum

Genius Brands International has appointed Michael Jaffa, formerly of DreamWorks Animation Television, as general counsel and senior VP of business affairs.

Jaffa will oversee the negotiating and shaping of business transactions in the areas of development, production, licensing, finance and distribution of Genius Brands’ catalog. This includes content such as Rainbow Rangers, Llama Llama, Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club, Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab, Baby Genius and more.

He will also spearhead the business and legal operations of the company’s digital channels—Kid Genius Cartoon Channel, Kid Genius Plus for Amazon and the Baby Genius channel. Jaffa will report to Genius Brands’ chairman and CEO, Andy Heyward.

DreamWorks Animation Television, Jaffa served as head of business affairs and was responsible for all studio business and legal affairs matters. He has also worked at Hasbro Studios.

“As Genius Brands embarks on a year of rapid growth, I am thrilled to welcome Mike, who has a long history of driving profits from the legal sector, on board to lead our business,” said Heyward. “He is a superb executive, who brings an extraordinary pedigree and breadth of experience in entertainment and technology and across production, distribution and licensing, and the entire company is looking forward to working with him.”

“Andy and the team at Genius Brands have created a children’s media company that is poised to compete with the majors, and I am honored to join in a role that will facilitate the continued global expansion of the company,” commented Jaffa.