Nickelodeon Veteran Teri Weiss To Run New Universal Kids Productions Group

Universal Pictures is expanding its content for kids and families and has tapped longtime Nickelodeon executive Teri Weiss as SVP, Head of Kids/Family Development and Production for its newly created Universal Kids Productions group. The unit will mine the studio’s IP portfolio and develop original content for all platforms, both on its own and through partnerships. Weiss will report to Vince Klaseus, President of Universal Brand Development.

Weiss is a 16-year veteran of Nickelodeon, most recently serving as EVP Original Programming for the Preschool Division since 2010. As SVP Production and Development, she launched such young’un Nick Jr. hits as Bubble Guppies, Team Umizoomi and The Fresh Beat Band. Earlier in her career Weiss overaw the groundbreaking series Dora The Explorer. Prior to Nickelodeon, Weiss was a producer on Sesame Street from 1993-99.

“As Universal continues to grow our business and build our kids and family programming, Teri’s track record in building world-class production teams and hit series is a huge asset,” Klaseus said.  “She is one of the most well-respected and accomplished executives in this space, and we are thrilled to develop new properties together and leverage Universal’s rich library of titles.”

Added Weiss: “It’s an honor to work with the creative teams responsible for many of the biggest franchises in movie history, as well as have an opportunity to expand the studio’s portfolio of kids and family content.”