MUMBAI: US software major Microsoft has announced that Nancy Tellem, former CBS Network Television Entertainment Group president, has joined it as entertainment, digital media president.
In her role reporting to Microsoft Studios corporate VP Phil Spencer, Tellem will oversee the launch of a newly created production studio in Los Angeles that will develop interactive and linear content for Xbox and other devices. In addition to running the production studio, she will help spearhead the company‘s efforts to turn Xbox into a destination where consumers can enjoy all their entertainment in one place.
Tellem and her group will collaborate with the creative community to develop unique, compelling storytelling experiences for the Xbox brand. More than just a gaming console, Xbox has evolved into a consumer destination for the world‘s most popular TV, movies, music and sports content. With a roster of more than 65 entertainment apps, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO Go, MLB.TV, ESPN, YouTube and VEVO, global video consumption on Xbox LIVE has increased 140 percent during the past year. In addition, this September, Microsoft will introduce 2-way TV experiences from renowned entertainment partners Sesame Workshop and National Geographic that will further expand the Xbox platform beyond games, offering entertainment options for everyone in the family.
Tellem said, "I am excited to be a part of the continued evolution of Xbox from a gaming console to the hub of every household‘s entertainment experience. The Xbox is already a consumer favorite, and we now have a tremendous opportunity to transform it into the center of all things entertainment - from games, music and fitness to news, sports, live events, television series and movies - so consumers have one destination for all their entertainment needs. I look forward to building a studio team that embraces the challenges of creating true interactive content that the Xbox platform supports and to work with talent to create content that will change the way entertainment content is experienced and delivered."
Spencer said, "Whether you are voting for your favorite contestant on a TV show or playing a game, entertainment is becoming more personalized and social, driven by the Internet and new tools to interact with content. We are embarking on a new chapter with the creation of a studio dedicated to making original interactive and linear content, and I‘m excited to have Nancy leading this effort."
Microsoft president of the Interactive Entertainment Business Group Don Mattrick said, "With her impressive background in entertainment innovation, I am thrilled to have Nancy join our team. Under her direction, we look forward to building and extending our creative offerings from the living room to all your devices."
