IDW Publishing Creates TV Entertainment Division

SAN DIEGO: The comic book publisher IDW Publishing has set up a new division, IDW Entertainment, which is dedicated to funding, developing and producing TV properties.

David Ozer has been tapped to serve as the president of the new unit. Ozer will be working with Ted Adams, the CEO and publisher of IDW Publishing, to identify, develop and oversee brand extensions across the portfolio of comics and graphic novels for the global TV market. Ozer's background includes roles at Sonar Entertainment, Starz Media/IDT Entertainment and DIC Entertainment.

Circle of Confusion, executive producer of the hit AMC series The Walking Dead, will oversee packaging and creative development of the division and will executive produce the company’s projects. Rick Jacobs will continue to spearhead these efforts. 

“IDW Publishing’s significant growth over the past several years, particularly in the theatrical arena with a number of properties currently in development at major studios, together with the ever increasing popularity of our creator-owned titles, have provided us with the ideal opportunity to expand into multi-platform entertainment,” said Adams. “David’s depth of distribution and finance expertise in television, coupled with his production knowledge and his extensive relationships within the entertainment community, make him the perfect choice for spearheading our aggressive move into television.”
 
“IDW Publishing’s properties have a proven track record and built-in appeal with today’s sophisticated entertainment consumer,” noted Ozer. “Given the Company’s growth and subsequent financial success, investing in the development and production of its projects into television programming is the next logical and strategic step in growing IDW’s media empire, and further solidifies IDW as a key player in both the theatrical and television entertainment arena.”
 
“The timing couldn’t be better for IDW Publishing to invest in television production,” added Jacobs. “IDW is a powerhouse of creativity, and the film studios recognize that potential. By financing its own television projects, the company is now poised to become a major player across all media platforms.  We’re very excited to continue to help expand IDW’s reach beyond publishing.”