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From www.filmmakers.com Digital Douglas A. Lee Named Executive Vice President
In this newly created role, Lee will oversee MGM's digital distribution strategy. He will also spearhead the studio's broadband and wireless efforts and shepherd new digital media growth. Harry E. Sloan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MGM, said: "MGM will be making significant moves in terms of new platforms, ranging from TV and the Internet to wireless, mobile and more. Doug has a wealth of senior management experience culled from several major media companies including Fox, HBO and Universal. This and his proven track record in new media will be a great benefit and addition to MGM's already outstanding team. I'm thrilled to have him at the helm as we capitalize on the myriad opportunities in the digital space." Rick Sands, Chief Operating Officer of MGM, commented: "Doug is an expert at navigating the new media space and identifying key opportunities. He will also be working closely with our strategic partner, Sony Corporation of America, which is at the forefront of Blu-ray and major electronic and digital initiatives." Sony Corporation of America is a strategic partner of MGM. "There are numerous opportunities to grow and extend the MGM brand in the new media age," said Lee. "We will look to mine the library for new opportunities and also create new productions and initiatives for the plethora of new media opportunities that currently exist, as well as plan for new and emerging possibilities." With over 20 years experience as a senior executive in the global entertainment business, Lee's career highlights include the launch of HD Cinema 10 for VOOM; the creation of Noggin, the first educational children's network and a joint venture between Sesame Workshop and Nickelodeon; a founder of CRIME, a broadband platform that was sold to USA Cable; and he was instrumental in spearheading News Corp.'s acquisition of Star-TV, the leading satellite platform in Asia. Most recently, Lee was the founder of Lee Consulting Company in New York and served as a consultant to various major media companies including Comcast, Court TV and The Hinduja Group, the largest multiple system operator in India. Lee was also an executive at Universal Television, where he served as General Manager and Head of CRIME, the first 24-hour cable network dedicated to the crime genre. CRIME was a broadband extension of CRIME.COM, a company Lee founded with John Langley, the Executive Producer and Creator of the long- running Fox television series, "Cops." In 1998, Lee was a key member of the Sesame Workshop executive team which created Noggin. Lee also worked for many years for 20th Century Fox Film Corporation, where he initially served as Vice President of Pay Television Worldwide and then held several senior executive positions at the Film Studio, on the Fox Corporate Staff and the parent company, News Corporation. In 1991, Lee took charge of Fox International and spearheaded News Corp.'s entry into the satellite television business in Asia and Latin America. In1992, Lee moved to Hong Kong where he organized the successful acquisition of STAR-TV, the leading satellite television provider in Asia. Mr. Lee was involved in the creation of other News Corp owned cable networks and satellite platforms including FX (U.S.), Canal Fox (Latin America) and Sky Movies (U.K.). He also headed his own television production company that developed content for Fox Television. After graduating from law school, Lee spent several years at HBO in New York where he served as a Programming and New Business Development executive specializing in the creation and launching several cable television networks including Cinemax, Festival and The Comedy Channel (now Comedy Central.) He began his television career at WNYW-TV, Fox Television where he worked as an Associate Producer/Assignment Editor/Newswriter on "The 10 O'Clock News." Lee earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,000 titles. Operating units including Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 110 countries. Under the supervision of new Chairman and CEO Harry Sloan, MGM is revitalizing all areas of the company. As a result, the studio is now being positioned as an independent, vertical integrated multi-media company. MGM ownership is currently as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), Texas Pacific Group (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). Web site: www.mgm.com. © Copyright 2003 by www.filmmakers.com |
