Stephanie Sperber
Stephanie Sperber is an American entertainment executive specializing in children's and family media.[1]
Career
[edit]Sperber began her career at Hanna-Barbera Cartoons.[2]
In 1996, Sperber joined Universal Studios, where she worked until 2014.[2] She became a founding executive of Universal Partnerships & Licensing (UP&L) in 2009 and eventually served as its president.[3][4][5] She expanded Universal’s global consumer products, licensing, and partnerships, and headed the worldwide campaign for Despicable Me 2 (2013).[2][6] She also launched Minion Rush.[6][7]
After leaving Universal in 2014, Sperber founded White Space Entertainment.[8][9] There she developed the Ugly Dolls feature film.[2] She served as CEO of White Space Entertainment until 2019.[10]
In 2019, Sperber became president of Imagine Kids & Family, a new division of Imagine Entertainment under Ron Howard and Brian Grazer.[2] She executive produced The Astronauts for Nickelodeon, receiving an Emmy nomination, and The Tiny Chef Show, winning two Annie Awards (2022, 2024) and an Emmy Award in 2024.[11] Other projects at Imagine included the animated series Bossy Bear for Nickelodeon and The Slumber Party film for Disney+, the latter earning an Emmy nomination in 2024.[12][13]
In 2023, Sperber joined Lion Forge Entertainment as president and chief creative officer.[14][15]
Filmography
[edit]- The Astronauts (2020, Nickelodeon), producer[16]
- The Tiny Chef Show (2022, Nick Jr./Nickelodeon), executive producer[16]
- The Slumber Party (2023, Disney+), executive producer[16]
- Iyanu: Child of Wonder (2023, Cartoon Network/Max), executive producer[17]
References
[edit]- ^ Graser, Marc (September 30, 2010). "Stephanie Sperber: Licensing Matchmaker on a Roll". Variety.
- ^ a b c d e Dickson, Jeremy (January 14, 2019). "Imagine plants a new stake in the kids and family space". Kidscreen.
- ^ Faughnder, Ryan (June 16, 2014). "Entertainment merchandise sales rose 4.3% in 2013". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Kilday, Gregg (June 17, 2013). "Stephanie Sperber Re-Ups as President, Universal Partnerships & Licensing". Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Graser, Marc (June 17, 2013). "Stephanie Sperber to Remain President of Universal Partnerships & Licensing Through 2016". Variety.
- ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 5, 2015). "Stephanie Sperber, Licensing Exec Behind 'Minion Rush', Exits Universal Pictures". Deadline.
- ^ Graser, Marc (February 5, 2015). "Stephanie Sperber Leaves Universal as President of Partnerships & Licensing". Variety.
- ^ Ford, Rebecca (October 5, 2016). "Former Universal Exec Stephanie Sperber Launches Licensing Firm". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Block, Alex Ben (February 5, 2015). "After Ramping Up Universal Toy Licensing, Stephanie Sperber Suddenly Exits". Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ McNary, Dave (June 1, 2019). "Film News Roundup: Miramax Partners on 'Pulp Fiction' Consumer Products". Variety.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (August 4, 2022). "Nickelodeon's 'The Tiny Chef Show' Sets S1 Guests with RuPaul as Announcer". Animation Magazine.
- ^ Whitener, Whitney (February 2, 2023). "Nickelodeon's Animated Series 'Bossy Bear' Debuts March 6". Animation World Network.
- ^ Petski, Denise (September 27, 2022). "'The Slumber Party' Coming-Of-Age Comedy Movie Based On 'The Sleepover' Teen Novel Ordered By Disney Branded Television". Deadline.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 22, 2023). "Stephanie Sperber Named President & CCO Of Lion Forge As Animation Company Expands Into Live-Action". Deadline.
- ^ Tuchow, Ryan (March 23, 2023). "Lion Forge Animation snaps up Stephanie Sperber". Kidscreen.
- ^ a b c "Stephanie Sperber Named President and CCO of Lion Forge Entertainment".
- ^ "Cartoon Network Original Series IYANU Debuts April 6 On Max".