Distraction focused with Huang in L.A.

Exec looks to expand ancillary markets

By ELIZABETH GUIDER

Huang

On the eve of its fifth anniversary, Canuck format distribber Distraction is opening an L.A. office, and has tapped Jean Huang to the newly created post of exec sales director for the U.S. and Asia.

In addition to running the Los Angeles office, Huang will represent Distraction's interests throughout the U.S. and in Asia, while concentrating her efforts on acquiring and selling formats and homevideo clip libraries for the company.

"With offices in Canada, Europe and now the U.S., Distraction has its fingers firmly on the pulse of the TV industry. Actively leveraging that, along with the talent and professionalism that Jean brings to the company, we will continue to be a primary resource for producers and broadcasting professionals worldwide," Distraction CEO Michel Rodrigue said.

Six months ago, Distraction hired the William Morris Agency to represent the company's formats vis-a-vis the American networks.

Fluent in German and Chinese, Huang will work on developing new business relationships as well as expanding ancillary markets.

Huang comes to Distraction from Lions Gate Entertainment, where she served as VP of international sales for three years. Prior to Lions Gate, Huang was with GRB as director, international sales, overseeing Euro markets.

Distraction has a 100-title multigenre format catalog including "Love Bugs" and "In the Dark."