Larry Tanz has been promoted to CEO of Vuguru, in an appointment announced by Michael D. Eisner. Tanz, who continue to oversee development, production, distribution, marketing and strategic partnerships, reports directly to Eisner, whose Tornante Co. founded the independent studio.
In 2011, Vuguru financed and produced seven full length scripted projects and announced a major partnership with Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment to launch a premium YouTube channel called Stan Lee’s World of Heroes. Next up is a slate of female-oriented programming that will be released on AOL in 2012. Also on this year’s schedule are: The Millionaire Tour, an action thriller starring Dominic Monaghan; Crawlspace, a scare-filled thriller starring Steven Weber; sports comedy Off Season, starring former L.A. Laker Rick Fox; and the sequel to The Booth at the End, the sci-fi drama series starring Xander Berkley.
Tanz joined Vuguru in 2009 having been president and co-founder of Agility Studios, a multi-platform studio, where he helped build The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers into a franchise in worldwide distribution by Paramount. He previously served as CEO and president of LivePlanet, a multi-platform production company co-founded by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Prior to that, he was director of Strategy & Operations at AOL Time Warner and a senior associate at Mercer Management Consulting (now Oliver Wyman).
“Larry’s exceptional leadership, ability to attract high profile talent, identify outstanding material and produce content that consumers want is why we chose to promote him to the position of CEO,” Eisner said. “Under his direction, the company has expanded its production slate, created valuable partnerships and increased profitability. Personally, I enjoy working with Larry and expect great things from him and his team in the years ahead.”
Vuguru LLC is an independent studio that develops and finances scripted, story-driven content for digital and international platforms. Founded by Tornante Co. and backed by Canada’s Rogers Media, the company brings premium content opportunities to distribution partners in over 40 countries around the world.
Related links:
Press release – http://tinyurl.com/7adacbt
