Former head of drama development at Disney’s 20th Television Michelle Mendelovitz has been named head of Mattel Television Studios.
In her new role, Mendelovitz will oversee the development, production, and distribution of Mattel’s slate of episodic content on broadcast and streaming globally.
She will report to Mattel executive vice president and chief franchise officer Josh Silverman.
Currently, Mattel Television Studios produces animated and live-action series and specials based on its popular IP including Barbie, Thomas & Friends, Hot Wheels, Fireman Sam, Polly Pocket, Barney, Masters of the Universe, Monster High and Pictionary. Per the studio, it has premiered 12 series and specials this year.
“Michelle is a powerful creative leader with a wealth of experience working with top studios and creators to make innovative, quality content across genres and platforms,” Mattel chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz said. “We are excited for her to join at a time of such momentum for the company, and for the important role she will play in developing stories that resonate in culture and growing Mattel’s global fan base.”
Silverman added: “The opportunity to connect worldwide audiences with Mattel’s iconic brands, franchises, and characters through high-quality storytelling is greater than ever before. I look forward to the impact Michelle and Mattel Television Studios will have on expanding the content slate to the delight of our fans around the globe.”
Most recently, Mendelovitz served as an executive producer at Hillary and Chelsea Clinton’s Hiddenlight Productions, following her exit from 20th Television Studios in January 2022. Prior to her tenure at the Disney-owned studio, Mendelovitz was senior creative executive for scripted and unscripted programming at Apple, and before that, vice president of scripted programming (Drama & Comedy) at Sony Pictures Television.
“Mattel is a globally revered brand that I’ve always admired for its ability to empower and relate to their audience generation after generation,” Mendelovitz said. “Taking that bold spirit to speak to themes that impact people’s worlds, while simultaneously entertaining audiences of all ages, is what we are focused on as we grow Mattel Television Studios into an inspiring storytelling home for best-in-class creators. I’m so thrilled and honored to join the Mattel team as we take our brands and franchises to a whole new level.”