Michael Wright Takes Top Post at DreamWorks Studios

UNIVERSAL CITY: Michael Wright, who announced his exit as TNT, TBS and TCM programming president just last week, has been tapped as CEO of DreamWorks Studios, effective January 3, 2015.

Wright will report directly to Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks' chairman, and have responsibility for the creative aspects of the company's motion picture business. He will collaborate with Holly Bario, co-president of production; Kristie Macosko Krieger, producer; and Jeff Small, president and COO. He is replacing Stacey Snider, who is slated to leave the company in early January.

For more than a decade, Wright has worked at Turner, developing and premiering original content for the company's networks and digital extensions. Working alongside Spielberg, his credits include Into the West, Falling Skies and the upcoming Public Morals. He recently helped TNT become the summer's number one basic cable network, with six out of ten original prime-time series of the season, including Rizzoli & Isles, Major Crimes and The Last Ship.

Spielberg said, "I have had the pleasure of working alongside Michael for many years and have come to know him as a talented executive whose creative vision, leadership, and passion are a perfect fit for our company. He has a keen understanding of storytelling and how to deliver those stories in every shape and size, regardless of platform. I am delighted to welcome him to DreamWorks Studios.

"Stacey Snider has been an important part of my life for two decades and I want to acknowledge her many accomplishments at the company as well as her friendship and counsel which have been so important to me. I'd also like to express my appreciation for her guidance and support throughout the transition."

Wright noted: "The opportunity to join DreamWorks Studios and to work for Steven Spielberg, whose creative voice and vision have influenced me throughout my career, is truly a dream come true. Steven and I have worked together on numerous projects over the years, it has never been less than an exciting, enlightening, fulfilling experience, and it has always led to the telling of stories of which I was proud to be a part. This is an exceptional time of change in our industry with exciting new voices and storytelling platforms emerging all around us, and I am looking forward to positioning the company to thrive in this evolving environment."

Spielberg added: "I join with Michael in recognizing the strength and experience of our great senior executive team of Jeff, Holly and Kristie. Jeff's superb business acumen combined with Holly's and Kristie's outstanding creative tastes and instincts have made our company a home to a diverse group of talent. With the addition of Michael to DreamWorks, I know we will enjoy continued growth and success well into the future."