dick clark productions
Datwon Thomas has been named to the newly created role of executive producer, talent, for Dick Clark Productions (DCP). In his role, which takes effect immediately, Thomas will be part of DCP’s in-house talent team, collaborating on talent strategy, relations, bookings and creative, leveraging his experience from his 13-year stewardship of VIBE. Thomas will work out of both the New York and Los Angeles offices.
Thomas will also assume the role of editor-at-large of VIBE, supporting big-picture strategy for the brand. In addition, he will maintain his role as PMC’s vice president, culture and media, building diversity initiatives and programs for the company.
“I am thrilled to start this new chapter in my media and entertainment career,” Thomas said in a statement. “My time as editor-in-chief of VIBE has been incredibly rewarding. I would like to thank my staff of all eras for their hard work and support. Entering this new role is a valued achievement and one I take as an honor. I have been consulting with the DCP team for years, and during that time, my love of the rush of live television has grown. I look forward to getting even more involved in all aspects of great projects with amazing talent.”
“We’re very excited to have Datwon bring his experience and unmatched expertise in hip-hop and R&B to DCP,” Jay Penske, chairman, founder and CEO, Penske Media, and CEO, Dick Clark Productions, said in a statement. “His deep relationships and innate creative sensibilities will be instrumental in shaping the future vision of DCP’s world class portfolio of shows.”
Most recently, Thomas served as VIBE’s editor-in-chief. During this time, he pioneered new initiatives for hip-hop and R&B media and created platforms to showcase and discover emerging and established artists.
Since 2019, Thomas has worked closely with the DCP team as a consulting producer for flagship programs including the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.
Prior to VIBE and PMC, Thomas held positions as the editor-in-chief of hip-hop’s street authority, XXL Magazine, and founder/editorial director of XXL Presents Hip-Hop Soul, among other posts.
Dick Clark Productions (DCP) and Eldridge have acquired all the Golden Globes’ assets, rights and properties from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). The transaction will result in the wind-down of the HFPA and its membership. The proceeds from the transaction, plus the existing resources of the HFPA, will transition into a newly-formed Golden Globe Foundation that will continue the HFPA’s legacy of entertainment-related charitable giving.
As part of the transaction, DCP and its partners will plan, host and produce the annual Golden Globe Awards show and pursue commercial opportunities for the Golden Globes across the globe. The 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards is set to take place on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.
“We are excited to close on this much anticipated, member-approved transaction and transition from a member-led organization to a commercial enterprise,” said former HFPA president Helen Hoehne.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Golden Globes,” Eldgridge chairman Todd Boehly said in a statement. “My partners at DCP and I are grateful to Helen and team for their commitment to the successful implementation of a robust approach to governance, the expansion of the diverse and international voting body, implementing a professional, safe, and accountable environment, and trusting new ownership with a new direction for the Globes.”
“As stewards of the Golden Globe Awards, our mission is to continue creating the most dynamic awards ceremony on live television viewed across the world,” Jay Penske, CEO/chairman/founder of Penske Media and CEO of DCP, said in a statement. “We have a great team in place to grow this iconic brand and captivate new and existing audiences to celebrate the very best in television and motion pictures.”
The Golden Globe Awards will be controlled by DCP, the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming.
A premier entertainment award since 1944, the annual Golden Globes honors achievements in both television and film. Over the last three decades, licensing fees from the ceremony have enabled donations of more than $55 million to entertainment-related charities including scholarship programs, film restoration projects and humanitarian efforts. This funding has also supported diverse programs in partnership with advocacy groups aimed at promoting greater access in Hollywood for underserved communities.
Penske Media Corporation, Billboard‘s parent company, is a part-owner of dick clark productions and has a partnership with Eldridge.
-
Pages