VANCOUVER — Thunderbird Entertainment Group has created a new global distribution and consumer products division to help elevate the company’s intellectual property across its kids and family, factual and scripted divisions, Thunderbird announced today.
Industry veteran Richard Goldsmith (above) is joining Thunderbird and its kids and family division Atomic Cartoons to lead the new venture as president of global distribution and consumer products. He will be based in Los Angeles and will report to Thunderbird and Atomic Cartoons’ chief creative officer, Matthew Berkowitz.
In his newly created role, Goldsmith will oversee worldwide content distribution and the development of innovative consumer products and experiences that expand and enrich audience engagement across all Thunderbird properties, says the company’s press release announcing the launch of the new division.
“This expansion is a significant part of Thunderbird and Atomic’s IP growth strategy. Richard’s wealth of experience, exceptional business acumen and proven track record of phenomenal productions make him the perfect person to lead this venture. Alongside our creative teams, we hope to make some truly special shows together,” said Berkowitz, in the release.
Goldsmith’s experience spans the television and animation industries, including key leadership roles in media distribution, licensing, merchandising and business development for major entertainment brands at companies such as The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company.
Prior to joining Thunderbird and Atomic Cartoons, Goldsmith was part of the senior management team at Paris-based Cyber Group Studios, where he helped guide the global day-to-day and long-term business plans of the company. He also oversaw all operations in North America, China and Australia, including distribution and consumer products for hit series such as Gigantosaurus, in addition to content development.
“Through my work with Atomic Cartoons over the last two years on The Last Kids on Earth franchise, I was able to experience firsthand the company’s energy, expertise and creative thinking,” said Goldsmith, in the release. “I am thrilled and honoured to join Thunderbird and Atomic as the company enters a new era. I cannot wait to share our incredible new series with global media and consumer products partners.”
In addition to supporting Thunderbird’s owned IP, the new division will also source and manage third-party media distribution and consumer products opportunities, says the release.
Atomic Cartoons most recently won a 2020 Daytime Emmy for its Netflix series The Last Kids on Earth, as well as a Peabody for Molly of Denali on PBS/GBH and CBC. Great Pacific Media, which is the factual and scripted production unit of Thunderbird, produces hit television series such as Highway Thru Hell for Discovery and The Weather Channel, Heavy Rescue: 401 for Discovery, and Kim’s Convenience for CBC and Netflix.
