Universal Forms Kids Group; Hires Weiss
Universal Pictures announced the hiring of Terri Weiss as senior vice-president, head of Kids/Family Development and Production for the newly created Universal Kids Productions Group. Vince Klaseus, president, Universal Brand Development made the announcement. Weiss will report to Klaseus.
Universal Kids Productions will develop content for families and children, adding to current works such as the Curious George animated television series. The division will leverage the studio’s existing portfolio of intellectual properties, as well as develop original content for all platforms, both on its own and through assorted partnerships. NBCUniversal will license its owned properties through its dedicated brand-management and consumer-products business, which also reports to Klaseus.
Weiss, a 16-year veteran of Nickelodeon, most recently served as executive vice-president, original programming, for the preschool division since 2010. While at Nickelodeon, she launched a series of hits, including Blaze and the Monster Machines, Dora and Friends, Paw Patrol, and Wallykazam!. As senior vice-president, production and development, she solidified Nick Jr.’s leadership position with series hits Bubble Guppies, Team Umizoomi, and The Fresh Beat Band. Prior to Nickelodeon, Weiss was a producer on Sesame Street from 1993–1999.
Weiss has received numerous awards and recognition, including two Daytime Emmys as a producer, 18 Team Daytime Emmys, a Peabody Award, two NAACP Awards, and an Annie Award, among others.