William S. Weil has been promoted to chief operating officer of National Geographic Entertainment Group, which includes feature film, kids' entertainment and giant screen film business units.
National Geographic Ventures made the announcement Tuesday about Weil, whose title had been exec VP of Strategy, Marketing and Entertainment Group. He'll work with unit presidents on overall strategy and operations, including distribution, marketing and external partnerships and co-productions along with continuing to oversee home entertainment in North America.
National Geographic Films partnered with Warner Independent Pictures on 2005's "March of the Penguins" and with Newmarket on the Sundance-winning pic "God Grew Tired of Us." Two series: "Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies," co-produced with BBC and King Rollo Films, and "Iggy Arbuckle," a co-production with Blueprint Entertainment -- are set to premiere on kid broadcaster networks this year.
"Will brings a strategic vision and proven track record on collaboratively working with the entertainment unit presidents and other National Geographic divisions to maximize the value, reach and impact of our entertainment properties and franchises from a mission, brand and profitability standpoint," said Edward M. Prince Jr., chief operating officer of National Geographic Ventures.
Weil joined National Geographic in 2002 and has promoted an entertainment strategy to develop programming aimed at younger audiences and potentially tap into larger profit streams in home entertainment and merchandise.
Contact Dave McNary at
dave.mcnary@variety.com