Michelle Mendelovitz Steps Down as Head of Mattel Television Studios
Michelle Mendelovitz has officially stepped down as the head of Mattel Television Studios, as confirmed by Variety. Mendelovitz took on this role in November last year, overseeing the development, production, and distribution of Mattel’s episodic content across broadcast and streaming platforms worldwide. A successor to her position has not yet been announced.
One of Mendelovitz’s recent projects at Mattel Television Studios was the new Barney the Dinosaur animated series titled “Barney’s World,” set to premiere in 2024 on Max and Cartoon Network as part of Mattel’s Barney franchise relaunch.
In April, the studio made key executive appointments, including Sidney Clifton as head of creative for animation, Cory Bennett Lewis as head of production, and Amy Suh as head of creative for live-action, scripted, and unscripted content. These executives reported directly to Mendelovitz during her tenure.
Prior to her role at Mattel Television Studios, Mendelovitz was an executive producer at Hiddenlight Productions, founded by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton. She also held the position of head of drama development at 20th Television, where she facilitated overall deals with prominent creators. Mendelovitz’s extensive experience also includes roles at Apple and Sony Pictures Television.
Mattel Television Studios is known for producing animated and live-action series and specials based on popular IPs such as Barbie, Thomas & Friends, and Masters of the Universe. With a lineup of 16 series and specials scheduled for release this year, the studio continues to expand its content offerings.
Deadline initially reported Mendelovitz’s departure from Mattel Television Studios, marking the end of her impactful tenure at the company.
