VH1 is promoting two of its senior programming executives as executive VP Michael Hirschorn leaves to form a new entertainment company.
VH1 parent MTV Networks has made a first-look deal with Mr. Hirschorn’s Ish Entertainment, which is committed to developing three series for MTV, VH1, CMT or Logo.
Joining Mr. Hirschorn at Ish are Stella Stolper, VH1’s senior VP of celebrity talent, and Chris Choun, production VP.
Mr. Hirschorn helped drive VH1’s push into offbeat celebrity programming.
“He possesses one of the fastest, most vibrant minds I’ve ever had the pleasure to witness working,” said Brian Graden, president of entertainment for the MTV Networks Music Group. “An unparalleled listener, it must be Michael’s ability to take it all in that allows him to unerringly output universally appealing content that speaks so perfectly to our collective culture.”
With Mr. Hirschorn leaving, Jeff Olde has been promoted to executive VP of original programming and production at VH1. He had been senior VP for production and development, working with production company 51 Minds to deliver hits including “Rock of Love,” “I Love New York,” “Flavor of Love” and “America’s Most Smartest Model.”
“Jeff’s repeated ability to hit the television bull’s-eye is easily explained and incredibly rare. He’s a master at unlocking the unique conceptual core of each project,” said Mr. Graden.
Ben Zurier was promoted to executive VP of program strategy for VH1, VH1 Classic and MHD, MTV Networks’ high-definition channel.
“Ben is one smart programmer. If you love VH1’s Celebreality Sundays and Mondays, then you know Ben can sense America’s mood, find the throughlines and ultimately connect with the audience,” said Mr. Graden. “Ben deserves immense credit for VH1’s explosive ratings growth, having overseen a widely acknowledged and highly unusual five-year hot streak, and we’re thrilled to acknowledge his invaluable leadership.”
VH1 also said it greenlit three new projects.
The network has partnered with P. Diddy on a reality competition series that will search the country for someone who has the smarts and stamina to be the hip-hop mogul’s assistant. The series is slated to premiere this summer.
Another series is “Egotrip’s Miss Rap Supreme.” Ten female contestants from across the country will live in a house in Los Angeles where their quick-witted rhymes, stage presence and mental toughness will be put to the test over eight episodes. It is set to premiere in April 2008.
The third series is “Celebracadabra,” in which seven TV and film stars vie for the title of “Best Celebrity Magician.” Mr. Hirschorn is one of the show’s executive producers.
VH1’s Hirschorn Goes Out on Own; 2 Execs Promoted
Jan 17, 2008 • Post A Comment
Michael Hirschorn of VH1 is breaking away to form his own company, called Ish Entertainment. Sound familiar? That’s because it’s dangerously close to Tionna Smalls’ company, Talk Dat Ish Entertainment. Coincidence? Not likely. Tionna knows Michael Hirschorn and has been in talks with him over potential business deals.
Tionna Smalls is lawyered up with an experienced trademark counsel and ready to take legal action.
Tionna is right. If your not willing to do business with a person yet steal there ideas legal actions should be taken into effect. Join her or let it go I’m not trynna sound funny but what white man come up with “ISH”? think about it!
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