Disney TV Studios forms new ‘creative acquisitions’ unit for IP adaptations

Elizabeth Newman & Jordan Moblo

Disney Television Studios has launched a ‘creative acquisitions’ division that will secure rights to books, podcasts and news reports that it can then turn into projects for its platforms.

The division is being led by Elizabeth Newman and Jordan Moblo, who become VP and director of creative acquisitions at the new arm.

Newman was most recently VP of development at Disney’s now shuttered Touchstone Television, while Moblo worked for 20th Television securing rights and helping to develop projects based on novels, podcasts, theatre shows and foreign formats.

Disney said the new unit will “focus on identifying and securing the rights to upcoming and bestselling books, podcasts, news stories and other IP”.

Creators and rights holders will then work with Disney-owned ABC Signature and 20th Television’s roster of talent to. Create series for services including ABC, Hulu, Freeform, FX, Disney+, Nat Geo and others.

Craig Hunegs, Disney Television’s president of entertainment, said: “Now more than ever, securing compelling IP which captures the imagination of showrunners and consumers alike can be the start of a hit television series.

“Elizabeth and Jordan are talented executives with impeccable creative taste and deep relationships with agents, publishers, authors and producers. Together, they will strategically serve up source material to our studios and platforms which will redound to the benefit of all of Walt Disney Television.”

Newman and Moblo added: “We believe in the power of storytelling to change the world and hope to champion material that is as culturally impactful and timeless as it is entertaining.

“We’re excited to advocate for distinctive source material and create opportunities for the studios’ talent to bring these stories to the screen.”