Crackle chief upped to Sony digital chief

The Art of More

Sony Pictures Television Networks (SPTN) has promoted the boss of its on-demand service, Crackle, to executive VP and chief digital officer.

Eric Berger will remain general manager of OTT service Crackle, but also now oversees worldwide digital strategy across all Sony channels.

The long-serving exec has been with Sony since 2006 and Crackle since 2008, during which time he pushed the VOD service into original programming through shows such as StartUp, which stars Martin Freeman, and Dennis Quaid-fronted drama The Art of More.

Crackle has also had success with Jerry Seinfeld series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and is now prepping the Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson-produced drama The Oath.

The service was dealt a blow last year when Netflix poached Seinfeld on an exclusive contract that included Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.

“During his tenure here at Sony, Eric has paved the way for us on the digital front, using a mix of businessmodels and products, including AVOD, SVOD, TV Everywhere, games, virtual reality and more to guide the expansion of SPT Networks’ 100-plus linear international channels to on-demand, OTT, streaming services and other digital-first initiatives,” said Andy Kaplan, president of SPTN.