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Herschend Hires Former Jim Henson Company Exec

Sarah Maizes-Herschend

Sarah Maizes — a former executive at the Jim Henson Company — was named senior director of development and executive producer by Herschend Entertainment Studios (HES).

In her new role, Maizes will identify, develop, and produce franchise projects for HES — which creates entertainment for television, film, publishing, and other media. Based in Los Angeles, she reports to Julie Phillips, vice president of development and production at Herschend.

“We are proud to welcome Sarah to the HES team. Her experience as a creative executive in kids and family entertainment on both the live-action and animation sides will be an asset to the company as we further expand our franchise slate,” said Phillips. “Sarah brings a unique and innovative perspective and we look forward to creating fresh and exciting family-friendly entertainment with her.”

While at the Jim Henson Company, Maizes oversaw development and production for Harriet the Spy on Apple TV+; Duff’s Happy Fun Bake Time for Discovery and Food Network; Dinosaur Train for PBS; Dinosaur Train: The Movie for Universal and PBS; and Dot and Doozers for Sprout and Hulu.

At Amazon Studios, she headed development and production for the first season of Dino Dana and third season of Tumble Leaf.

Maizes also founded Cheeky Squirrel Production, collaborating on projects with authors and illustrators Dan Yaccarino and Nick Bruel.

She was previously a literary agent at WME and has authored four children’s books for Candlewick Press and three humor books for Berkley Books. A former stand-up comedian, Maizes also worked as a sketch comedy writer for the Acme Comedy Theatre.