“I am so glad we could attract Sam to join MGM. He is an innovative thinker and has his finger on the pulse of what’s next.” – Mark Burnett, MGM’s President, Television Group

Sam Toles is MGM’s Senior Vice President of Digital & New Platforms. In this newly created position, Toles leads the studio’s efforts around digital native content development and distribution. These efforts include leveraging existing MGM IP as well as creating new IP, working closely with theatrical, scripted, unscripted and distribution teams, to create a variety of new programming that is customized for the needs of emerging digital platforms.

Toles previous role was Senior Vice President, General Manager of Vimeo’s Entertainment Group where he directed all aspects of programing for the global video sharing platform, with a reach to over 250 million unique viewers each month. Under Sam’s leadership Vimeo launched its first slate of original programming including HBO’s High Maintenance, the Emmy-nominated Garfunkel and Oats: Trying to be Special and the Oscar-nominated animated short Pear Cider and Cigarettes.

A 20-year veteran of the entertainment industry, Toles’ career began in theatrical marketing at New Line Cinema and Warner Brothers, followed by home entertainment marketing roles at Paramount Pictures and Rhino. Sam then joined Fremantle Media as Vice President of Business Development overseeing media licensing for their extensive stable brands including American Idol, America’s Got Talent and The Price Is Right. Toles also served as Vice President of Content Strategy for Gaiam, where he built the foundation and content strategy for the company’s widely distributed digital SVOD service, Gaia.

Moderator:

Mike Cowap – Senior Producer, Princess Pictures