Paula Kaplan is bringing her years of children’s programming experience to AwesomenessTV.
The Nickelodeon veteran has been named head of talent and live content at DreamWorks Animation-owned ATV. In the newly created role, she will lead casting across ATV film projects and online series while also overseeing the creation and execution of live event programming.
Kaplan most recently served as a consultant, working on projects including CBS Films’ The Duff. Prior to that, she spent 20 years at Viacom’s Nickelodeon in a number of roles, including exec vp original programming and live events. It was under her leadership that Nickelodeon built the Kids’ Choice Awards, which she executive produced. She also led casting for a number of Nickelodeon programs, including iCarly, Victorious, Drake and Josh and SpongeBob SquarePants.
Related Stories
It’s through Nickelodeon that Kaplan first worked with ATV CEO Brian Robbins, who co-created 1990s sketch comedy series All That and went on to produce several projects for the network.
“Having worked closely with Paula for many years, her eye for talent and ability to cultivate stars for the young adult audience is unmatched, which is why she is the perfect person to head up our talent and live content division,” Robbins said. “Her strong relationships throughout the creative community will play an integral role at AwesomenessTV as we build our channels and continue to expand in film, series and live events.”
AwesomenessTV began as a YouTube network with a channel devoted to content for teens and tweens, but has expanded into a production company with properties that cross platforms. The company, which is minority owned by Hearst Corp., announced in June the formal launch of a film division to release between 12 and 15 films a year for theatrical and digital distribution.
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day