American Film Market Dailies

Upgrade Productions, the Los Angeles-based production company that develops and produces premium local language series and films for a global audience, has hired seasoned executive Caroline Kusser as Executive Vice President, Head of Series, it was announced today by co-presidents Matt Brodlie and Jonathan Kier. Kusser will report directly to Brodlie and Kier.

Photo credit Anna McMaster

In her new role, Kusser will oversee the development, distribution strategy and production of Upgrade’s  series projects alongside Brodlie and Kier. Based in Los Angeles, Kusser most recently served as EVP International Co-Production at Mediawan and Leonine Studios. Prior to that, she served as the EVP, Co-Production and Distribution, International at Fremantle where she was involved in closing co-production deals with Hulu, Amazon, Netflix, Starz and Nat Geo and worked on the following series: “Picnic at Hanging Rock” (Foxtel/Amazon), “Dublin Murders” (BBC/Starz/Starzplay), “The Sister” (ITV/Hulu) and “The Jump” (Stan/AMC/Sundance). She worked for ten years in the U.S. for Red Arrow International, rising to Senior Vice President.

“Caroline brings a wealth of development, production and distribution experience to the role and is the ideal executive to spearhead our growing series slate,” commented co-presidents Matt Brodlie and Jonathan Kier. “She has an extraordinary track record with tremendous relationships in the industry and we are delighted that she is joining Upgrade during this exciting time of growth.”

The appointment comes at a dynamic time for Upgrade as they continue to strengthen their team. Upgrade’s robust development slate includes the eight-part Japanese-language series “A True Novel,” written by acclaimed writer Riko Sakaguchi and produced by Japan’s Shochiku; “La Jaula” (“the cage” in Spanish), an original fantasy horror series co-produced with prolific Spanish production and distribution companies DeAPlaneta and Minoria Absoluta and written and directed by José Luis Montesinos; “Sausages” (w/t), an original series from the popular Australian comedian Ryan Shelton, who writes, produces and stars in “Sausages” and the TV series “Twenty Faces,” based on the popular book series written by the iconic Japanese mystery writer, Edogawa Ranpo, co-produced with leading Japanese production and distribution company, The Klockworx and produced with Akiko Funatsu.

Kusser recently served as EVP International Co-Production at Mediawan and Leonine Studios where she was responsible for all TV co-production activities, managing and coordinating shows across more than 60 production companies. She also drove the development of Leonine Studios’ global distribution from their L.A. office in the additional role of Leonine Studios EVP World Sales.

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ABOUT UPGRADE PRODUCTIONS

Upgrade Productions was founded by co-presidents Matt Brodlie and Jonathan Kier, to source, develop, and produce premium local language film and series for global audiences. Launched in October 2021, in partnership with German powerhouse Constantin Film, Upgrade Productions aims to meet the demand for local language content worldwide as audiences become even more global in their viewing habits. 

With expertise built up over many years at studios, networks, streaming services and production companies, the Upgrade team has developed the deep relationships in the international creative community necessary to deliver high-end content with globally recognized partners. Already in active development on projects with the very best local creatives and producers in territories such as Japan, South Korea, Germany, Spain, Latin America and beyond, Upgrade is devoted to identifying authentically situated local stories with compelling universal themes, both commercial and awards-worthy. 

The Upgrade team is also united in their passion for local, creative-led projects because great stories have the power to resonate with any audience, transcending borders and language. Their mission is to discover, cultivate, and empower creators from all backgrounds and cultures to produce content that is not only authentic, but globally impactful.

Upgrade’s development slate includes the eight-part Japanese-language series “A True Novel,” written by acclaimed writer Riko Sakaguchi and produced by Japan’s Shochiku; “La Jaula” (“the cage” in Spanish), an original fantasy horror series co-produced with prolific Spanish production and distribution companies DeAPlaneta and Minoria Absoluta and written and directed by José Luis Montesinos; “Sausages” (w/t), an original series from the popular Australian comedian Ryan Shelton, who writes, produces and stars in “Sausages” and the TV series “Twenty Faces,” based on the popular book series written by the iconic Japanese mystery writer, Edogawa Ranpo, co-produced with leading Japanese production and distribution company, The Klockworx and produced with Akiko Funatsu.