Skydance Media is accelerating its efforts in the consumer products space as it grows its slate of live-action feature films, TV projects, and animation.
The studio appointed Luis Fernández to the newly created role of head of consumer products in which he will lead retail, merchandising, and licensing partnerships for the company. Fernández previously spent two decades at The Walt Disney Co., most recently as senior vice president and central creative in consumer products and interactive media.
“Luis has both a keen design and business sense and has been instrumental in building some of the most iconic franchises ever, and we’re thrilled to have him join the Skydance team at this pivotal time,” say Skydance Media President and COO Jesse Sisgold, and Skydance Animation President Holly Edwards. “He will be an incredible asset to the studio as we ramp up our consumer products division and will further our goal of offering fans a multitude of opportunities to engage with a film or show’s world long after the credits roll.”
At Disney, Fernández led design strategy for franchises and divisions including Mickey Mouse, Disney Princess, Disney Animation, Disney Channel, Pixar, and Star Wars, in addition to overseeing merchandise for Disney Parks and Resorts.
“I am excited to join David, Jesse, John, and Holly at Skydance,” says Fernández. “The stories that the studio is telling and the level of creative talent behind them are truly astounding and I can’t wait to begin to expand on these worlds, giving fans new ways to experience Skydance properties.”
Skydance Media’s upcoming slate includes collaborations with Paramount Pictures, including Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins, Top Gun: Maverick, and future installments of the Mission: Impossible series. Skydance Animation recently entered into an agreement with Apple for distribution of the first two seasons of The Search for WondLa in addition to a pair of feature films: Luck and Spellbound.
