| Since 2000 |  | Managing Director Les Consultants Sabatini James Ramsay is Founder/Managing Director of this Berlin-based media consultancy, providing content and operational strategies for international digital media. Les Consultants Sabatini provides the framework for James Ramsay’s diverse activities. |
| 2013-2016 |  | Head of Networks Da Vinci Media GmbH Led programme and content strategies, broadcast and VOD operations for this international, multi-platform educational brand for children and adults. Key feeds and markets include Central & Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, South-East Asia, South Africa. |
| 2012-13 | | Consultant, VOD Da Vinci Media GmbH Content and delivery strategies fro Video on Demand services. |
| 2010 |  | Head of Product Management VISIBLEVISION GmbH Developed and managed the product strategies and production workflow for this Berlin start-up, specialized in high-volume, low-cost HD image videos for businesses. |
| 2009 | | Head of Post-Production VISIBLEVISION GmbH Lead creative. Produced over 1000 white-label image videos for hundreds of small businesses, plus video travel guides to over 60 cities worldwide for www.cityguide.com. Grew the post-production team from pre-launch to 30 full-time editing staff. Defined workflows, production standards, defined business management systems. |
| 2008 |  | Expert Review HOME ENTERTAINMENT TRENDS IN EUROPE Report by Peacefulfish consultants for the EU “SMART” programme on the role of SMEs and European audiovisual works in the context of the fast changing and converging home entertainment sector (PayTV, Home Video, VOD, video games, internet, etc) |
| 2007 |
| Launch Director / Senior Project Manager BUGEYE MUSIC / UMGI Creation and global distribution of the Bugeye Music video service on the Joost platform for Universal Music Group International including brand development, programming, operations, and interactive services. Personally oversaw all operational aspects of product launch, including channel branding, creative identity, programming policy, business systems and workflow, budget, interdepartmental relationships (business, creative, operational). Contributed to business plan and legal processes. Delivered new video service on time, on budget with limited staff and resources. |
| 2006 |  | Launch Director / Senior Project Manager MTV OVERDRIVE Worldwide roll-out of MTV Overdrive, broadband streaming portal for MTV Networks International Digital Media division. Devised and implemented project plan to create local and customized versions of MTV US’s streaming video platform in multiple territories, to achieve a global economy of scale. Defined international product requirements to US tech team, set business requirements for regional launches, and co-ordinated launches in 7 countries. Central point of contact for all product issues: Legal, commercial, financial, marketing, programming & production, design and technical. |
| 2005-06 | 
| Launch Director / Senior Project Manager MTV FRANCE Launched 3 new channels for the French market: MTV Pulse, MTV Idol and Nickelodeon France. Defined and implemented operational strategies required to deliver the new services with tight deadlines and limited budget, including business restructuring. |
| 2004-05 |  | Launch Director / Acting Managing Director MTV NORDIC Launch Director/Acting MD for the launch of MTV Denmark. Brand development for localized MTV channels in Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Established Copenhagen office. Oversaw all operational aspects of launch. |
| 2004 | | Content Strategy Consultant JAMBA! Europe’s leading mobile content provider. Advised on use of airtime, scheduling strategies, development and implementation of research and analysis tools. |
| 2003 |  | Content Strategy Consultant THE DEPOT Programming Consultant for this UK brand consultancy, helping clients with user interface development for online gaming and video services into British pubs and restaurants. |
| 2001-02 |  | Vice-President, Programming & Content CHANNEL HEALTH TELEVISION (UK) Channel Health was the UK’s first digital health and lifestyle channel. Responsible for all strategic and operational issues for Programming, Acquisition, Production and Commissions, Creative Direction, On-Air Promotion, and Interactive Services (including enhanced television and websites). Also national and international Channel Carriage Agreements and Broadcast Operations. |
| 2000 |  | EditorialDirector, Broadband / Broadcast CANALWEB Europe’s first (and largest) WebTV brand. Responsible for defining and implementing all television and broadband projects for CanalWeb, both in terms of business and content. Also, strategic consulting for the CanalWeb group on international, broadband, tv and editorial issues. |
| 1997- 1999 |      | Vice President/ Networks Launch Director UNIVERSAL STUDIOS NETWORKS Co-ordinated Universal’s global rollout of two major new, localized brands: 13th Street & Studio Universal. Launched 5 local television channels in 2 years. Directed pre-launch activities for all new Networks projects – brand positioning, editorial, commercial and administrative strategies. Defined the Networks’ cultural blueprints by coaching regional Managing Directors and their teams in the development of local brand models. A pivotal role during the Studio’s ambitious entry into the international networks market, maximizing strict budgets within stricter deadlines. On-the-ground in UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, New York and Miami (Latin America, Brazil). Reported directly to President, USN. |
| 1998-99 | | Acting Vice-President, Networks Operations Oversaw all broadcast and distribution systems, operational infrastructure, IT and broadcast engineering projects. Design and implementation of Network scheduling system; new media technology strategies. |
| 1996 |  | Manager, Network Presentation MTV NETWORKS EUROPE (MTV & VH-1) Oversaw Programming, On-Air Promotion and Ad Sales architecture for 4 MTVNE channels and 6 advertising windows, serving over 30 countries. Established and headed Presentation Dept. during MTV Europe’s innovative pan-European regional expansion programme. Authored MTV’s first production and programming “bible.” |
| 1995-96 | Music Programming Consultant Music programming strategies for the launch of VH-1 Germany (Hamburg) for Me, Myself & I (MME). Trained local Programme Director and scheduling team. Produced the launches of MTV and VH-1 Middle East for The Showtime Networks (Gulf DTH). | |
| 1990-96 | Music Video Acquisition & Scheduling Five years video acquisition, playlist committee and program scheduling for pan European and regional MTV Europe channels; acquisition and scheduling strategies for the launches of VH-1 UK and MTV Italy. | |
| More… | Dual UK and Canadian nationality. Pemanent residence Germany.
English C2, French C1, German B2, Spanish A2 Trent University (Canada) Philosophy/Cultural Studies |
Les Consultants Sabatini 