, has been rebranded as Lion Forge Entertainment as it is expanding its slate to include live-action in addition to animation. It has named veteran family entertainment executive, where she was president of Imagine Kids+Family, a division she helped launch. She will report to CEO David Steward II, who founded Lion Forge Animation in 2019, and COO Edward Hamati.
Lion Forge, a rare Black-owned animation studio launched by Steward as a platform for authentic diverse voices, is part of Polarity, also owned by Steward, alongside independent comic book publisher Oni-Lion Forge. The studio is behind the upcoming adaptation of the graphic novel serieswhich Lion Forge is making into a children’s animated series for HBO Max. Created by Nigerian creator Roye Okupe,is an epic superhero tale steeped in Nigeria’s rich culture, music and mythology.
In this newly created role, Sperber will focus on building global transmedia franchises around the IP that sits within Lion Forge, as well as expanding production and distribution partnerships, spearheading licensing and merchandising initiatives, and overseeing all aspects of the company’s new live-action film and TV division.
“This is a unique moment in the kids & family space and while some are retreating, Lion Forge is taking the opportunity to lean into its unique ability to tell diverse stories authentically and to co-finance projects, de-risking the green light decision for buyers,” said Sperber.
As president of Imagine Kids+Family, Sperber oversaw all aspects of creative IP development and production of animated and live-action TV and film projects including Annie Award-winning