COOKIE JAR ENTERTAINMENT NAMES SAM EWING AS HEAD OF DISTRIBUTION Ewing Assumes Cookie Jar's International Distribution Reigns From Company's Long-Time Senior Sales Executive Louis Fournier
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Montreal/Los Angeles (April 27, 2004) - Cookie Jar Entertainment, the programming and licensing arm of The Cookie Jar Group, has appointed Sam Ewing as Head of Distribution. Ewing assumes Cookie Jar's top international distribution role from Louis Fournier, the company's veteran senior sales executive who has announced that he will depart his post.
In his new role with Cookie Jar, Ewing will oversee the company's international sales efforts and play an instrumental role in programming acquisitions and co-productions.
Said Toper Taylor, President and Chief Operating Officer of Cookie Jar: "Sam Ewing combines a passion for international distribution with an extensive career in working with several of the most prominent figures in children's entertainment. As a result, he is regarded industry-wide as a leading figure in children's programming. We look forward to benefiting from Sam's unique expertise as we strive to build Cookie Jar Entertainment into the industry's preeminent supplier of quality children's entertainment and edutainment programming."
Ewing joins Cookie Jar Entertainment with a distinguished career in children's television that spans program development and production to sales and marketing, working with many of the industry's most respected companies.
Ewing served as Vice President, International Co-productions and Acquisitions, Saban International, where he helped oversee the co-production of numerous high-profile animated series as well as acquire programming for the Fox Kids Network and Fox Family Channel. Ewing has also served in senior programming roles with Ruby-Spears Productions, Worldvision Entertainment and Hanna Barbera Productions where, as Vice President of Development, he spearheaded the production of numerous animated network series. Prior to Hanna Barbera Productions, Ewing served as Director of Children's Programs at NBC Entertainment, supervising the development and production of an extensive animated and live action programming slate. Ewing began his career in San Francisco, California as an independent program producer for KGO-TV. He has won three Emmy Awards, as well as several film festival awards and is an active member of the Academy of Television, Arts and Sciences.
Louis Fournier began his latest stint with Cookie Jar Entertainment in 2001. During his tenure with the company, Fournier was recognized for helping establish it as a leading force in the distribution of quality children's entertainment. Today, 140 countries are home to Cookie Jar children's brands, a tribute to Fournier's distribution and marketing acumen and accomplishments.
"Among the most rewarding aspects of acquiring Cookie Jar in March, was to get to know the company's senior management and staff. We quickly learned what most of the industry had already known - that Louis Fournier is an outstanding executive who has demonstrated leadership and dedication throughout his tenure with the company. I know his colleagues and the many broadcasters he has worked with through the years will join us in saluting Louis as he begins this well-deserved leave from the industry to spend more time with his family and pursue personal projects," said Taylor.
The Cookie Jar Group develops, produces, distributes and markets quality products to children their caregivers, parents and teachers with a commitment to providing the best in children's published content, animated and live action programming as well as innovative and creative educational and entertainment driven products worldwide.
MEDIA CONTACT: SSA Public Relations Steve Syatt - (818) 501-0700
