High-tech channel

Weisman bows new-media creative conduit

By ANN DONAHUE

Weisman

Cory Weisman has ankled his post as head of animation at ICM to launch Weisman WorldWide Entertainment, a consultancy that will focus on working as a conduit between tech firms and traditional entertainment companies looking to develop new-media strategies.

Among the companies Weisman has signed as clients include CartoonNetwork.com, Shockwave.com, TheThreshold.com, Chazz Palminteri's CelebrityPlace.com and thesps James Woods, Michael Madsen, Joe Pantoliano and Jim Belushi.

Joining Weisman at the shingle are ICM vet Teri Weinberg, Maria Estrada, previously head of talent casting, musical performance and voice direction at MGM Animation, and Scott Hemming, formerly with Artisan Entertainment.

Weisman said he doesn't intend to infringe on the relationship between agents and representatives, only assist them in the development of creative works for new-media companies.

"We want to expedite the process as opposed to belabor it," he told Daily Variety.

The company will be based in Los Angeles and is looking to expand by opening an office in New York.

"As we're all presently witnessing the significant fallout among content aggregators and providers, it is evident that there is a need for better branding and content management," Weisman said. "Our ultimate goal for new media deals is for everyone to end up in a win-win situation."

Besides heading the animation division while at ICM, Weisman repped Palminteri, Woods, Mel Gibson, Meg Ryan and Anne Bancroft.