Population Media Center Taps Lisa Caruso as New Head of U.S. Content
Following the success of its multi-Emmy Award® nominated series East Los High, Population Media Center (PMC) has launched a dedicated US content arm led by Lisa Caruso. It will be focused on developing, financing, and producing original series in various formats and genres on traditional network, cable, streaming, and digital platforms.
Caruso will oversee all domestic content development and production for PMC, which creates hit shows designed to address deeply embedded social issues in the areas of women’s empowerment, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
The first project under Caruso’s stewardship is Harlem Code, a one-hour scripted drama telling compelling stories of inner-city urban youth that will be guided by industry veteran “Chip” Flaherty (Walden Media) and Mary Beth O’Connor (RKO Studios), who together have formed Xavier Holdings. In addition to these advisors, the project uses PMC-commissioned research by Columbia University and insights from numerous community partnerships to create authentic stories that revolve around current issues affecting Harlem youth.
Bill Ryerson, President of PMC says: “We’re thrilled to have Lisa join our team. Her expertise in developing shows and dedication to meaningful content will expand our success in the US market for years to come.”
Lisa Caruso adds, “I’m excited to join such a worthwhile organization and content studio to create original series that will both entertain and impact the hearts and minds of viewers to think in new and different ways about some of the most difficult issues we face as Americans today.”
With over 20 years of industry experience as a producer, director, screenwriter, and development executive, Lisa previously founded Virago Entertainment, to bring courageous female-driven content to the forefront. In prior years, she worked in scripted development for two shingles at Universal Studios and also directed and produced numerous reality series and documentary specials for multiple networks including HBO, Bravo, MTV, and E! She was an Executive Producer of Digital Media at Ashton Kutcher’s Katalyst Films. Lisa is a member of the Producers Guild of America.