National Geographic Television & Films (NGT&F) Kids programming and production unit has promoted Michael Karsh to manager, current series & development. Karsh will serve as the primary exec on several projects in various stages of development and production.
He also will be responsible for evaluating new development pitches and will establish and maintain strong third-party relationships to facilitate the acquisition and sale of creative content. He is assigned to the production of the comedy/adventure series, IGGY ARBUCKLE, in association with Blueprint Ent. This animated series for kids 6-11 follows the wild adventures of Iggy and his pal Jiggers as they explore their surroundings in the Kookamunga.
Karsh is also slated to manage production of ARE WE THERE YET?, the first global reality series hosted by kids for kids 4-7, which is in partnership with Cellar Door Prods. and Sinking Ship Prods.
Additionally, Karsh will coordinate the research and library content for MAMA MIRABELLES HOME MOVIES, National Geographics first preschool series that combines animation with archival footage from National Geographics award-winning library.
Michaels passion for the National Geographic mission and vision is contagious," said Donna Friedman Meir, president of Kids programming and production for NGT&F. "He brings extraordinary enthusiasm and great creative instincts to every project hes involved with. We look forward to benefiting from his continued dedication, creativity and developing expertise as he assumes his expanded role at National Geographic.
Karsh joined Nat Geo in 2003 as a development coordinator for the kids programming and production unit and has established strong relationships with key television execs around the world. Previously, Karsh was assistant to the svp of creative affairs at Granada Ent. USA, where he was responsible for creative and administrative support in transforming a slate of successful British television formats into viable formats for U.S. audiences. He previously assisted in the art department of View Askew Prods., working on the feature film, JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK, and served as production assistant at Imagine Ent. for the feature film, THE GRINCH.
In another staff appointment at Nat Geo Kids, Andy Riddle was promoted to senior administrative assistant from administrative department assistant. Riddle began his career as a production assistant for Cineira Ent. and then held the same position at New Wave Ent. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in telecommunications from Pepperdine University while interning for National Geographic Kids programming and production.
Kids Programming and Production is an independent production entity of NGT&F (www.nationalgeographic.com). Established in 2003, NGT&Fs Kids group brings the renowned National Geographic brand to childrens entertainment through the development and production of quality animated and live-action, entertainment-driven programming that excites kids to explore their world. NGT&Fs Kids group will work with all major broadcast outlets in the U.S. and abroad.
