Ex-Viacom, Sonar exec takes on Big role

Former Viacom and Sonar distribution exec Debbie Back has joined New York’s Big Media to become head of sales and acquisition for a new movie unit.

Back is known for a 16-year tenure at Viacom International Media Networks predecessor MTV Networks International, during which she rose to senior VP, international programme sales level.

She was later president of sales at HandMade Kids, the joint venture prodco of HandMade Group and National Geographic Kids Entertainment, also holding the title of VP and head of worldwide sales for Nat Geo Kids. HandMade Kids was founded in 2009 but shuttered a year later, with Back going on to join Sonar Entertainment in 2012 as SVP, North American sales.

“Debbie brings a wealth of experience and contacts to the table, and we are excited to have her join our team in a leadership and operational capacity,” said Big Media’s CEO, Jon Loew.

“Big Media is one of the last truly independent studios in the world of Television and film,” said Back. “Development, finance and production are all under one roof, and I am excited to leverage that strength in the world of movies,” said Back.

Big is based in the US and sells a catalogue of documentaries, lifestyle, travelogue, and light entertainment programmes. It also as in-house production capabilities, and has a long-term coproduction partner in Czech Republic-based KM Plus Media.