Marissa Ronca Michael Lanzillotta - H 2013
TruTVThree months after taking over as president and head of programming at truTV, Chris Linn has set his executive team.
Marissa Ronca has been promoted to senior vp development and original programming and will head a newly combined team that oversees original programming from development through production. Additionally, Michael Lanzillotta has been upped to senior vp and GM at truTV and will provide business expertise about the overall direction and development at the network. Both are based in New York and will report to Linn.
Ronca joined Court TV in 2007 and played a key role in its transformation to truTV in 2008. As vp program development, she was part of the team responsible for series including Hardcore Pawn, Impractical Jokers, South Beach Tow and more. Before truTV, she previously was director of development at TLC and Discovery Home Channel (Little People, Big World; LA Ink; Say Yes to the Dress).
“Marissa has led a diverse slate of development projects and has ensured that truTV is a producer’s first place of business,” Linn said. “By combining the development and original programming departments into one group under Marissa’s expert leadership, truTV will be more effective than ever at fielding and responding to pitches, developing new ideas and managing projects from concept to series.”
STORY: MTV’s Chris Linn Named truTV President and Head of Programming
For his part, Lanzillotta joined Turner Broadcasting in 2007 to prepare the business side of Court TV for its transformation into truTV. More recently, he was senior vp business affairs at truTV and international distribution for Turner Entertainment Networks, which includes truTV, TNT, TBS and TCM.
In his business affairs role, Lanzillotta led all production and talent contract negotiations for truTV’s original programming. He previously supervised all international distribution matters for TEN, with an eye on maximizing revenue for content owned and controlled by the entertainment networks.
“Michael will work closely with me and interface with sales, distribution and finance in order to maximize opportunities and effectively monetize our content,” Linn said, “With his extensive industry relationships, distribution experience and business expertise, Michael is the ideal leader for this crucial role.”
Former MTV exec Linn took over as president and head of programming at truTV in May and will be responsible for all programming on truTV, marketing, digital initiatives and strategic planning.
E-mail: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit
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