Their appointments are effective immediately.
Universal Music Group has already dipped its toe in Broadway waters. Mamma Mia! was "produced in association with" UMG, and UMG was billed as "associate producer" on the musical Baby It's You!
Tony-winning producer Landis (London revival of Funny Girl and Broadway productions of Twelfth Night/Richard III, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Venus In Fur) will serve as a special advisor on theatrical development and production. In that role, he will "assist the company in forging stronger ties with the theatre community, building partnerships and helping develop and produce projects based on Universal Music’s roster of artists and music library," according to a press statement.
Blackman ("Last Vegas," "The Devil Wears Prada") has been named to the newly created role of Head of Film and Television Development and Production. He will oversee the development and production of film, television and other video projects globally across Universal Music.
"Music is not only essential to film, television and theatre, but the stories behind our artists and their music offer narratives that provide a natural foundation to build exciting and compelling experiences for audiences around the world," Universal Music Publishing Group Chairman and CEO Jody Gerson stated. "With David and Scott, we’re focused on working with the Hollywood and Broadway communities on delivering stories that will delight fans, reach new audiences and open up new commercial opportunities for our songwriters and our legendary music catalog." UMG Executive Vice President Michele Anthony added, "David and Scott will further grow Universal Music’s presence in film, television and theater by creating rich new opportunities beyond recorded music for our artists, labels and our unparalleled roster of current and catalog recordings. This is yet another important step in the evolution of Universal Music into a music-based entertainment company."
Blackman will be based at the company’s Santa Monica headquarters, and Landis will remain in New York.
Blackman said in a statement, "Universal Music has already proven to be a fertile ground for film and television, and I’m looking forward to helping shepherd many, many more projects from the development stage to the screen. I can’t thank Jody and Michele enough for allowing me to take charge of this important priority for the company."
Added Landis, "There’s a glorious treasure trove of possibilities in Universal Music Group’s amazing artist roster and song library, and I’m looking forward to helping unlock those gems and opening the door even wider to the theatrical community. I thank Jody and Michele for this incredible opportunity."
