FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, has appointed Andrew Berman as Vice President, International Distribution for Children’s & Family Entertainment. Based in Los Angeles, he will report directly to Sander Schwartz, Head of Children’s & Family Entertainment effective immediately. In this newly created role, Berman will work with executives to identify properties that fit into FME’s portfolio and implement strategies to distribute content and formats to media outlets globally.

Berman is a well-respected entertainment industry veteran, and brings more than 20 years of experience in the sales, marketing and distribution of entertainment properties worldwide to FME. Most recently, he oversaw media consultancy firm ARB International which specialized in providing consultation for the marketing and distribution of entertainment programming to all respective media. Previous to that he was Executive Vice President and General Manager of TMS Entertainment, Inc., one of the leading animation producers in Japan (Bakugan, Sonic X) and a subsidiary of video game giant SEGA. Prior to TMS, Berman was Executive VP at IDT Entertainment (now part of Starz Media.) In that capacity, he was responsible for forming and managing an international distribution team to license IDT's slate of children's and family entertainment. Berman has also held executive distribution posts at Harvey Entertainment, New World Pictures and MGM. “We are delighted to welcome Andy to the FME family,” said Schwartz. “His knowledge and experience with global sales and distribution will be key in delivering programming to kids, teen and family markets, and I am confident he will be a great asset to our team as we grow this division.”

“The children’s portfolio that Sander and the FME team have developed in just a year and a half is a solid foundation to work from,” said Berman. “I am thrilled to join FME in this new role, and look forward to bringing our family of quality shows and franchises to audiences worldwide.”

Projects resulting from the establishment of FME’s children’s division in late 2009 include My Babysitter’s a Vampire, Really Me, Tree Fu Tom, Strange Hill High and the highly anticipated Monsuno. Through its role in the creative process from beginning to end, FME is establishing a next generation model for the creative development, acquisition, production, and distribution of quality content in the children’s and family entertainment space. With programming that will target demographics ranging in scope from pre-school through high school, FME is bringing innovative and original content to fruition while continuing to expand upon its global portfolio.