ROMANELLI AT TOONZ

Toonz Entertainment has announced the appointments of Bernhard Stephan as Director, Commercial Distribution and Maria Romanelli as Senior Sales Manager for Italy. These newly created roles in the sales arm are part of Toonz Entertainment restructuring with the aim to become a leading distribution partner across different geographies.

At Toonz Entertainment, he will lead the distribution business in French speaking, German speaking territories in CEE, as well as Russia, CIS, and MENA.

Maria Romanelli, an industry veteran having over four decades of experience in developing international business, and Licensing & Merchandising industry has been appointed as the Senior Sales Manager for Italy. Starting her career in mid-80s in the UK at CPLG as Head of International, Maria was instrumental in setting up the Italian division of Consumer Products for Warner Bros and restructuring the UK one. Further on joined Saban and was involved along the years in Fox Kids and Jetix She was involved in TV Coproduction, TV and Video Distribution (+6000 of programmes) beyond the Licensing & Merchandising.

“With years of experience in developing international business, I am confident to build the business for Toonz in Italy. With quality content for kids and families in Toonz slate, I am sure that exciting years are ahead for Toonz in the distribution slate,” she added.

Mr. Bruno Zarka, President – TV Co-production, Distribution & Syndication Division said that the appointment of these two veterans who will be based out of Russia and Italy is a strategic move by Toonz and will add more muscle to Toonz Entertainment division. “We are adding 258 hours of additional content to our distribution catalogue this year and together with our partners we are optimistic about acquiring new business.”