Televisa USA is bolstering its domestic and international English-language production and distribution output, tapping Sierra/Engine Television CEO Chris Philip to head its new global distribution and production unit. He will work closely with Televisa USA Chief Creative Officer Michael Garcia and Chief of Operations & Business Affairs Ryan Likes to develop and set up new series in the U.S., secure international co-productions, and oversee the sale of all Televisa USA content worldwide. Philip will report to Televisa USA Managing Director Paul Presburger.
The deal also provides Televisa USA with first-look rights to a pre-existing slate of projects from Sierra/Engine Television and its parent companies, Sierra Affinity and Engine Entertainment, Philip will continue to serve as Engine Entertainment’s CEO. They include two NBC primetime action/adventure series: Crossbones, starring John Malkovich, and Siberia, a summer suspense series. Additional series include the crime thriller Parker, based on the Donald Westlake mystery novels; Tag Team, a syndicated buddy PI scripted series, and a music competition format Philip co-created with the legendary Gene Simmons of the rock band KISS titled Coliseum, all of which are currently being shopped.
