The Story Lab hires Tom Sebastian to drive US expansion

Dentsu Aegis-based entertainment company The Story Lab, has announced plans to expand in the US office. Spearheading the move will be Tom Sebastian, who will take up the role of president, The Story Lab US, working out of the company’s LA-based office.

In his new role, Sebastian will be responsible for leading premium non-scripted and scripted strategy for investment in TV, film and digital in the US, and monetisation opportunities around The Story Lab’s existing slate of IP across the Americas.  He will seek and manage new partnership agreements with broadcasters, agencies, talent and production companies to invest in, acquire and create original content. He will report to Nick Brien, CEO Americas Dentsu Aegis Network and Michael Iskas, president of The Story Lab Global.

“We are delighted to expand our offering in the US to create a powerful global footprint,” said Brien. “Tom is the ideal leader for this growth initiative. His expertise in entertainment and content marketing are invaluable and will accelerate us into even bigger opportunities for content creators and culturally relevant marketing.”

Since 2015, The Story Lab has been funding, producing and distributing prime time TV shows and films, while also seeking to deliver content development, partnerships and monetisation solutions to advertisers. Highlights to date include the sale of shows such as Game of Clones and Ninja Warrior within Europe and APAC.

Sebastian’s career includes experience within both entertainment and marketing.  Most recently, he was Co-CEO of creative agency SwirlMcGarryBowen, which was acquired by Dentsu in 2017. Previously he has held roles at the likes of William Morris Endeavor and Lifetime Television. As part of this announcement, Sebastian hired CAA’s Media Consulting Division to support the new company.