LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Saban Brands announced today the appointment of Rich Magallanes as Senior Vice President of Development and Production. In this new role, Magallanes will drive Saban Brands’ content development and production for the company’s television and entertainment properties, including Popples, Cirque du Soleil—Luna Petunia and Emojiville, among others. Additionally, Magallanes will aide in the conception of new creative projects, forge new production partnerships and identify and vet potential content acquisitions. Current SVP of Development and Production Brian Casentini is being appointed to an enhanced and highly focused position of Senior Vice President, Power Rangers Franchise. In his new role, Casentini will manage all creative for Saban’s Power Rangers brand, serving as a producer on the upcoming live action feature film franchise in partnership with Lionsgate and an executive producer of the iconic television series, which is in its 22nd continuous season and currently airing on Nickelodeon.
Magallanes joins Saban Brands as an accomplished creative executive with over 20 years of experience in domestic and international studio production, primarily at Nickelodeon. Most recently, Magallanes served as Senior Vice President of Current Series and Production at Nickelodeon. Magallanes oversaw production of all leading animated hit series including SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, Sanjay and Craig and Breadwinners, among many others. He co-developed the highly successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Tuff Puppy, along with many other television shows. Rich also helped spearhead the international co-productions of Nickelodeon’s CG-animated series Rabbids Invasion and Get Blake! On the live-action side, Rich oversaw the production of three seasons of Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide. Rich was also the Creative Executive integral in the DreamWorks partnership for Penguins of Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and Monsters vs. Aliens.
Along with managing production, Rich oversaw Nickelodeon’s Outreach efforts and the Writing and Artist Programs, which developed a pipeline to cultivate creative and innovative new talent. Rich was also recognized by The Imagen Foundation as one of the “Most Powerful and Influential Latinos in Entertainment for 2013.”
“Rich has been a key player in some of Nickelodeon’s biggest television shows over the past two decades from SpongeBob SquarePants to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He is a highly talented executive, and we are excited to see his creativity and innovation come to life through our entertainment properties,” said Joel Andryc, interim President at Saban Brands. “Along with adding Rich to Saban Brands’ leadership team, we are pleased to appoint Brian Casentini to a more focused role overseeing the Power Rangers franchise. Brian has been instrumental in elevating Power Rangers since Saban re-acquired the brand in 2010, and there is no one better suited to take it to the next level.”
“Saban has a history of creating beloved television series that are watched by millions of fans around the world, and I am excited to oversee the development of many of Saban Brands’ entertainment properties,” said Magallanes. “I look forward to working with this passionate team and Saban Brands’ best-in-class partners to continue to create fantastic programming for kids and brand experiences that fans are going to love.”
About Saban Brands
Formed in 2010 as an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, Saban Brands (SB) acquires and develops a world-class portfolio of properties in the entertainment and lifestyle sectors. SB applies a global 360-degree management approach to growing and monetizing its brands through content, media, marketing, distribution, licensing and retail to markets worldwide and consumers of all ages. Saban Brands Entertainment Group (SBEG) develops innovative branded content that resonates with consumers across all media platforms. SBEG’s growing entertainment portfolio of brands includes Power Rangers, Julius Jr., Popples, Cirque du Soleil – Luna Petunia, La Banda, Emojiville and others in development. Saban Brands Lifestyle Group (SBLG) drives major expansion within the company’s diverse portfolio of fashion and lifestyle properties. SBLG’s portfolio currently includes Paul Frank, Macbeth, Mambo and Piping Hot. SB operates a global network of offices in Los Angeles, New York, London and Sydney. For more information, visit www.sabanbrands.com.
