Executive Producer, Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn
Lydia Antonini is a recognized industry leader in the digital content and new media landscape. Her track record and leadership in both digital and traditional media were acknowledged with a spot in the Hollywood Reporter’s Next Generation (aka 35 Under 35) list for 2009.
Antonini is currently a Consultant and Executive Producer for Microsoft and 343 Industries, responsible for the packaging, production and daily oversight of the highly anticipated original series Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, which represents the most significant investment in Halo live action content to date.
Antonini is a founder and board member of MiTu Network, the fastest growing digital Hispanic lifestyle network. In addition, she serves as a strategist for TakePart TV, Participant Media’s digital division.
Antonini serves as an advisory council member to the BANFF World Television Festival and speaks at major conferences including NATPE and NAB on topics ranging from multiplatform content development to distribution and monetization strategies on emerging media platforms.
Previous to her independent work, Antonini was the Director of Digital Content for Warner Premiere, a division of Warner Bros. Entertainment. In this capacity, she headed all digital content initiatives for the studio’s home entertainment group, encompassing pre-theatrical experiences, premier studio brands and original content with A-list filmmakers. From inception, Antonini built both the business and content plan for the newly created digital business and actively managed its evolution within the studio. She was responsible for the development of all digital content and the management of production pipelines. She was also charged with defining new genres of content for the digital space, seeking new creative voices and creating production efficiencies to accommodate the fluid nature of digital distribution.
Antonini was also responsible for shepherding the world-renowned Peanuts franchise by Charles Schulz into the digital world. She worked directly with the Schulz Estate and United Media to create new content that was designed to optimize the viewing experience for the next generation of Peanuts fans. Antonini pioneered the Motion Comics content category for Warner Bros. critically acclaimed DC Comic graphic novels including Watchmen, Batman: Black & White and Superman Red Son were all transformed into stunning visual experiences beyond the printed page.
In addition to working with established brands such as Peanuts and DC Comics, she is also responsible for a slate of original programs. “Aim High”, produced by McG, premiered on AOL in 2011. “H+” - a live action digital sci-fi series produced in conjunction with Bryan Singer’s production company Bad Hat Harry will premiere in 2012. Antonini worked closely with recording artists to create next generation visual music experiences, the first of which was the award winning The Adventures of One Eskimo (Shangri-La Records).
Prior to Warner Premiere, Antonini was the Director of Development and Talent at JibJab. In her role, Antonini led a creative team that worked to position the site as a digital comedy network through the development and creation of both animated and live action new media content. She was responsible for the development of new show concepts, managed a team of talent scouts across the country and was the producer of “The Great Sketch Experiment” directed by John Landis which showcased premiere up and coming sketch comedy troupes.
Antonini has over 14 years of creative management, production strategy and business experience in film, television and digital programming and has worked for top entertainment companies including BBC Worldwide, Good Machine, Atom Films and Nick@Nite / TVLand. She is a voting member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and serves on the BANFF World Television Festival Advisory Council.
Antonini grew up on US Military bases, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Film, Television and Theater and has a Masters Degree in Media Studies from the New School in New York City.