Michael Minden Joins MGM Television as Executive VP

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 7, 2016) –Michael Minden joins MGM Television as Executive Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs, Scripted Television. In his role, Minden will oversee the business & legal affairs for MGM Television’s scripted projects, including development and production deals across scripted television as well as negotiating network, cable, digital and talent agreements.  He will report directly to Brian Edwards, Executive Vice President of MGM’s Television Operations and also to Lesley Freeman, Chief Legal Officer, when she joins the company in July.
 
Edwards said, “We’re excited to have Mike join MGM’s scripted television team,” Edwards said.  “He’s built great relationships throughout his career and brings wide, valuable experience to the company.”
Of his appointment Minden said, “This couldn’t be a more exciting time to come aboard MGM Television with so many incredible projects in the pipeline. I’m energized by the opportunity to work alongside this dynamic team.”
 
Prior to joining MGM Television, Minden served as the Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and the Head of Entertainment Legal at the television production companies, Endemol Shine North America and Shine America. While there he oversaw the development, production, and exploitation of both scripted and unscripted content. Before his two and half year tenure at these companies, Minden spent nearly a decade in Business and Legal Affairs across various Viacom platforms.
 
As part of the transition, Laura Black Dawson will be moving on from MGM.  “Laura has done a terrific job at MGM and we wish her all the best for the future,” said Edwards.

Shelley Reid, Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs for MGM Television, will continue on in her role reporting to Minden.
 
The MGM television scripted division continues to bolster its position as a leader in premium content with several recent straight-to -series orders including the dramatic series Three Days of theCondor for DirecTV’s Audience Network; The Handmaid’s Tale based off Margaret Atwood’s bestselling novel and starring Elisabeth Moss for Hulu; Davey Holmes’ Get Shorty at EPIX; as well as recent pilot orders Dawn from Hulu and Civil at TNT. These shows join the critically acclaimed Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning limited series Fargo on FX, heading into production on its third installment later this year; fan favorite Teen Wolf on MTV, currently in pre-production on its supersized sixth season; and the international hit Vikings, which was picked up for a 20 episode fifth season on HISTORY and currently in pre-production on the second half of season four.