Mattel hires Disney & Apple TV+ alum Michelle Mendelovitz to lead TV studio

Fireman Sam

Barbie and Hot Wheels owner Mattel has hired former Disney, Apple TV+ and Sony Pictures Television exec Michelle Mendelovitz to lead its TV studio.

Mendelovitz will oversee the development, production and distribution of Mattel’s episodic content on broadcast and streaming globally, reporting into chief franchise officer, Josh Silverman.

Michelle Mendelovitz

She was most recently an exec producer at Hilary and Chelsea Clinton’s Hiddenlight Productions, developing scripted projects for its initial slate.

Hiddenlight’s former exec chair recently left the company to join Universal International Studios as its head of studio.

Prior to the Clintons’ prodco, Mendelovitz was SVP & head of drama development at Disney 20th Television Studios, which she left in 2022.

She also was a senior creative exec for Apple TV+, working on shows including Severance and For All Mankind, and was VP of scripted programming at Sony Pictures Television with credits on Bloodline for Netflix and The Good Doctor for ABC, having started her career at CBS Television in comedy development.

Mattel Television Studios produces and distributes shows for the global toy firm, which counts animated and live action shows based on its IP’s including Thomas & Friends, Hot Wheels, Fireman Sam, Polly Pocket and Monster High. It has premiered 12 series and specials this year.

Ynon Kreiz, chairman & CEO of Mattel, said: “Michelle is a powerful creative leader with a wealth of experience working with top studios and creators to make innovative, quality content across genres and platforms.

“We are excited for her to join at a time of such momentum for the company, and for the important role she will play in developing stories that resonate in culture and growing Mattel’s global fan base.”

Silverman added: “The opportunity to connect worldwide audiences with Mattel’s iconic brands, franchises, and characters through high-quality storytelling is greater than ever before. I look forward to the impact Michelle and Mattel Television Studios will have on expanding the content slate to the delight of our fans around the globe.”

Mendelovitz said she would be focused on taking Mattel’s “bold spirit to speak to themes that impact people’s worlds, while simultaneously entertaining audiences of all ages…”