Kidscreen » Archive » Mattel consolidates its TV and film units

Mattel has combined its television and movie divisions into Mattel Studios, which is to be headed up by Robbie Brenner, a familiar face who’s been with the company since 2018.

Brenner will shift from her current role as president of Mattel Films to serve as president and chief content officer of the unified banner going forward, still reporting to CEO Ynon Kreiz. 

Given that Mattel is taking a similar IP-driven approach to both its TV and film output these days, it makes strategic sense to align its creative teams under one leader and vision. This remit expansion is also a sign of high confidence in Brenner, who produced 2023’s top-grossing film Barbie and helped the toymaker cement its status as a major player in Hollywood. To support her, Mattel Studios has filled out its executive ranks with three new hires. 

Jen Breslow, Darian Lanzetta and Tom McNulty.

Jennifer Breslow is joining as head of television, ending a four-year stint as Legendary Entertainment’s EVP of TV and digital media. Breslow has a strong flair for developing hit teen dramas, with credits including Gossip Girl and The Vampire Diaries at The CW (VP of drama development) and Fate: The Winx Saga at Netflix (director of international originals and director of original series).

To shepherd the movie slate, Darian Lanzetta and Tom McNulty have been hired as senior executives of film. Lanzetta previously spent 12 years as a motion picture literary agent at CAA, where she facilitated deals for Mattel films like Barney and Monster High. And McNulty’s resumé includes film-focused senior roles at prodcos such as 21 Laps (Night at the Museum), Happy Madison (50 First Dates) and MC Squared Media (The Stand In).

Mattel has been managing an increasingly busy content pipeline in recent years, which will make this streamlining move an interesting one to watch. To paint a picture in numbers, Mattel Studios currently has 12 series in production and 30-plus shows in the development phase—in addition to 14 shows and specials that will launch sometime this year. Several in-house kids brands are also in line to be adapted into upcoming features, including Hot Wheels, American Girl, Polly Pocket and Matchbox.

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