Diane Nelson (comics)

Last updated
Diane Nelson
Born
Diane Whelan

1968 (age 55–56)
CitizenshipAmerican
Education Syracuse University
OccupationBusiness executive
Known forPresident of DC Entertainment
President and chief content officer of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
SpousePeter Nelson

Diane Whelan Nelson (born 1968) [1] is an American business executive who was president of DC Entertainment from 2009 to 2018, and president and chief content officer of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment from 2013 to 2018.

Contents

Early life

Diane Nelson was raised in Newport, Rhode Island. [1] She received a bachelor's degree in liberal arts in 1989 from Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Communications. She met her husband Peter while both were attending Syracuse. [2]

Career

After working at Foote, Cone & Belding, [2] Nelson served as Director of National Promotions for Walt Disney Records and moved to Warner Bros. in 1996, [3] where she oversaw the cross-company brand management of the Harry Potter property. [4] She became the executive vice president, Global Brand Management in May 2004. [5]

In September 2009, Warner Bros. announced that DC Comics would become a subsidiary of DC Entertainment, Inc. and Nelson would serve as President of the new division. [6] Nelson reported to Jeff Robinov, president of Warner Bros. Pictures Group. [7] She appointed Jim Lee and Dan DiDio as Co-Publishers of DC Comics and Geoff Johns as chief creative officer on February 18, 2010. [8] [9]

After Kevin Tsujihara became chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment, he promoted Nelson to the post of chief content officer of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. [10] In 2013, Nelson detailed some of the future film plans for DC properties and stated that a Sandman film will be "as rich as the Harry Potter universe." [11] Later that year, Nelson announced the decision to relocate DC's offices from New York City to Burbank, California. [12] She explained that "it was never optimal to run any business, but certainly not a creative business, on two coasts." [13]

At a 2014 Time Warner shareholders meeting, Nelson addressed the need for greater visibility of female characters and creators in DC's comics and film and television projects. [14] Earlier in the year, Nelson had described Wonder Woman as her favorite character, stating "I would be lying if I didn’t admit that Wonder Woman has an affinity for me...She’s an incredibly strong representative woman. So when I think about women in business and that balance between compassion and being a warrior, there’s just a lot in the character that really resonates for me." [15]

In August 2015, Nelson was given oversight over Warner Bros Consumer Products. Warner Bros CEO Kevin Tsujihara stated "Diane's background, which includes a great balance of business, creative and marketing, will help us bring fans exciting news ways to enjoy all of Warner Bros.’ great entertainment properties through wide-reaching, innovative consumer products experiences." [16]

After a leave of absence starting in March 2018, Nelson resigned as DC Entertainment president. [17]

Humanitarian work

Nelson oversees the "We Can Be Heroes" campaign [18] which has raised more than $2.3 million as of 2013 for hunger and drought relief in the Horn of Africa. [19] She serves on the board of directors for "There With Care", a nonprofit organization that supports families with children affected by critical illness. [20]

Nelson, Wonder Woman actresses Gal Gadot and Lynda Carter, Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins and U.N. Under-Secretary General Cristina Gallach appeared at the United Nations in October 2016, the 75th anniversary of the first appearance of Wonder Woman, to mark the character's designation by the United Nations as its "Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls". [21] [22] The gesture was intended to raise awareness of UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030. [21] [22]

Awards and honors

In December 2013, The Hollywood Reporter ranked Nelson as #39 on its "2013 Women in Entertainment Power 100" list. [23] In July 2017, Nelson was awarded the Arents Award which is Syracuse University's highest alumni honor. [24]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lynda Carter</span> American actress, singer, and beauty pageant titleholder (born 1951)

Lynda Jean Cordova Carter is an American actress, singer, and beauty pageant titleholder, best known as the star of the live-action television series Wonder Woman, in the role of Diana Prince / Wonder Woman, based on the DC comic book fictional superhero character of the same name. As a pageant contestant, Carter was crowned Miss World USA 1972 and finished in the top 15 at the Miss World 1972 pageant. She achieved fame playing Wonder Woman in a series that aired on ABC and later on CBS from 1975 to 1979.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geoff Johns</span> American comic book writer

Geoffrey Johns is an American comic book writer, screenwriter, and film and television producer. Johns's work on the DC Comics characters Green Lantern, Aquaman, Flash, and Superman has drawn critical acclaim. He co-created the DC character Courtney Whitmore based on his deceased sister. He also expanded the Green Lantern mythology, adding in new concepts and co-creating numerous characters. Among the DC characters and concepts he co-created are Larfleeze, the Sinestro Corps, the Indigo Tribe, the Red Lantern Corps, Atrocitus, the Black Lantern Corps, Jessica Cruz, Hunter Zolomon, Tar Pit, Simon Baz, Bleez, Miss Martian, and Kate Kane.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patty Jenkins</span> American filmmaker (born 1971)

Patricia Lea Jenkins is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer. She has directed the feature films Monster (2003), Wonder Woman (2017), and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020). For the film Monster, she won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature and the Franklin J. Schaffner Award of the American Film Institute (AFI). For the pilot episode of the series The Killing (2011), she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination and the Directors Guild of America award for Best Directing in a Drama Series. In 2017, she occupied the seventh place for Time's Person of the Year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warner Bros. Games</span> American video game publisher

Warner Bros. Games is an American video game publisher based in Burbank, California, and part of the Global Streaming and Interactive Entertainment unit of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). The publisher was founded as Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on January 14, 2004, under Warner Bros. Entertainment and transferred to its Home Entertainment division when that company was formed in October 2005. Warner Bros. Games manages the wholly owned game development studios TT Games, Rocksteady Studios, NetherRealm Studios, Monolith Productions, WB Games Boston, Avalanche Software, and WB Games Montréal, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jenette Kahn</span> American editor and publishing executive

Jenette Kahn is an American comic book editor and executive. She joined DC Comics in 1976 as publisher, and five years later was promoted to president. In 1989, she stepped down as publisher and assumed the title of editor-in-chief while retaining the office of president. After 26 years with DC, she left the company in 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justice League in other media</span> Fictional superhero team

The Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Since their first appearance in The Brave and the Bold #28, various incarnations of the team have appeared in film, television, and video game adaptations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DC Entertainment</span> American entertainment company

DC Entertainment is an American entertainment company that was founded in September 2009 and is based in Burbank, California. The company is a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery that manages its DC Comics units and characters in other units, as they work with other Warner Bros. units. It also delves into those units within their flagship the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). DC Comics was founded in 1934 when it was National Comic Publications.

Darcy Antonellis Darcy Antonellis FSMPTE is an American businesswoman who has served as Chief Executive Officer of Vubiquity, Division President of Amdocs Media and President of Warner Bros Technical Operations.

Kevin Ken Tsujihara is an American businessman, and former chairman and CEO of Warner Bros Entertainment. He succeeded Barry Meyer as CEO in March 2013, and as chairman in December 2013, having previously been president of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Upon assuming the role of CEO, Tsujihara became the first Asian American to run a major film studio. He resigned in 2019 due to alleged sexual misconduct revealed by leaked text messages.

<i>Justice League</i> (film) 2017 film produced by DC Films

Justice League is a 2017 American superhero film based on the DC Comics superhero team of the same name. Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Films, RatPac-Dune Entertainment, Atlas Entertainment, and Cruel and Unusual Films and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, it is the fifth installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Directed by Zack Snyder and written by Chris Terrio and Joss Whedon, the film features an ensemble cast including Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Ray Fisher, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, and J. K. Simmons. In the film, following the events of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) Batman and Wonder Woman recruit The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg after the death of Superman to save the world from the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DC Studios</span> American entertainment company

DC Studios is an American film, television, and animation studio that is a division of Warner Bros., which is a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). It is dedicated to the production of films, series, and animations based on characters from DC Comics, among them is their flagship franchise, the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). James Gunn and Peter Safran assumed control of the company, on November 1, 2022. Previously, Walter Hamada was the president of DC Films from 2018 until his departure in October 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DC Extended Universe</span> Shared fictional universe

The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films and a television series produced by DC Studios and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is based on characters that appear in American comic books published by DC Comics. The DCEU also includes comic books, short films, novels, and video games. Like the original DC Universe in comic books, the DCEU is established by crossing over common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters.

<i>DC Super Hero Girls</i> American multipronged superhero franchise

DC Super Hero Girls or DC Superhero Girls is an American superhero web series and franchise produced by Warner Bros. Animation for Cartoon Network based on characters from DC Entertainment that launched in the third quarter of 2015.

<i>Wonder Woman</i> (2017 film) Superhero film directed by Patty Jenkins

Wonder Woman is a 2017 superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Films, Atlas Entertainment, and Cruel and Unusual Films, and distributed by Warner Brothers. It is the fourth installment of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), and a prequel/spin-off to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016). The film was directed by Patty Jenkins and written by Allan Heinberg, based on a story conceived by Heinberg, Zack Snyder, and Jason Fuchs. The film stars Gal Gadot in the title role, alongside Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Connie Nielsen, and Elena Anaya. It is the second live action theatrical film featuring Wonder Woman following her debut in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. In Wonder Woman, the Amazon princess Diana sets out to stop World War I, believing the conflict was started by the longtime enemy of the Amazons, Ares, after American pilot and spy Steve Trevor crash-lands on their island Themyscira and informs her about it.

Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands and Experiences is one of Warner Bros. Discovery's major business segments and divisions. It was founded in September 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warner Bros. Pictures</span> American film studio

Warner Bros. Pictures is an American film production and distribution company of the Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group division of Warner Bros. Entertainment. The studio is the flagship producer of live-action feature films within the Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group unit, and is based at the Warner Bros. Studios complex in Burbank, California. Animated films produced by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation are also released under the studio banner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diana Prince (DC Extended Universe)</span> DC Extended Universe character

Diana of Themyscira, also known by her civilian name Diana Prince or her superhero title Wonder Woman, is a fictional character in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), based on the DC Comics character of the same name created by William Moulton Marston and H. G. Peter. First appearing in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, she is portrayed by Gal Gadot and later plays a major role in the films Wonder Woman,Justice League, and Wonder Woman 1984, along with cameo appearances in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Flash. She has become one of the central characters in the DCEU. Gadot's performance as Wonder Woman, the first of the character in live-action cinema, has received critical praise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DC FanDome</span> Multi-genre entertainment and comic convention

DC FanDome is a virtual event platform created by DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment. Created initially as a virtual entertainment and comic book convention, the name is used for other online events centered on DC properties. The events feature announcements about DC-based content, including the DC Extended Universe film franchise, the Arrowverse television franchise, other films and television shows, comic books, as well as video games.

The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) media franchise has experienced a turbulent history since its inception in 2013, characterized by highly publicized clashes between studio executives and talent, constantly changing approaches to worldbuilding, and repeated changes in management. Warner Bros. Pictures originally announced plans for a shared universe of live-action films based on the DC Comics, starting with the release of Man of Steel (2013), with director Zack Snyder set to spearhead the franchise. Following the negative reception to Snyder's follow-up film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Warner Bros. created DC Films, a new division led by Geoff Johns and Jon Berg tasked with overseeing development of the DCEU. DC Films attempted to correct the course of the franchise, culminating in the troubled production and disastrous release of the crossover film Justice League (2017), which significantly deviated from Snyder's original vision.

References

  1. 1 2 Levitz, Paul (2010). "Selected Biographies". 75 Years of DC Comics The Art of Modern Mythmaking. Cologne, Germany: Taschen America. p. 709. ISBN   9783836519816.
  2. 1 2 "In the Spotlight: Diane Nelson". Syracuse University. 2011. Archived from the original on July 1, 2014.
  3. ↑ "Diane Nelson". DCEntertainment.com. 2014. Archived from the original on June 26, 2014.
  4. ↑ Burlingame, Russ (November 11, 2009). "DC Ent. Pres. Diane Nelson: 'Keep The Fans In Mind'". Newsarama . Archived from the original on August 18, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Diane Nelson Promoted to the Newly Created Post of Executive Vice President, Global Brand Management, Warner Bros. Entertainment". San Francisco, California: Business Wire. May 4, 2004. Archived from the original on August 18, 2014.
  6. ↑ Cowsill, Alan (2010). "2000s". In Dolan, Hannah (ed.). DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 293. ISBN   978-0-7566-6742-9. By the end of the decade, the company had restructured, gaining a new name – DC Entertainment – a new president – Diane Nelson – and giving top talent more power.
  7. ↑ Rogers, Vaneta (September 9, 2009). "Warner Bros. Creates DC Entertainment To Maximize DC Brands". Newsarama. Archived from the original on June 26, 2013.
  8. ↑ Levitz "The Modern Age 1998-2010", p. 646: "The history of Nelson's tenure as steward of DC's proud legacy has just begun but her first move was to name a trio of familiar names as her key creative executives."
  9. ↑ Hyde, David (February 18, 2010). "Jim Lee and Dan DiDio Named Co-Publishers DC Comics. Geoff Johns to Serve as Chief Creative Officer. John Rood Named EVP, Sales, Marketing and Business Development. Patrick Caldon Named EVP, Finance and Administration". DC Comics. Archived from the original on February 21, 2010. The new senior executive team includes Jim Lee and Dan DiDio, who have been named Co-Publishers of DC Comics, and Geoff Johns, who will serve as Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment.
  10. ↑ Littleton, Cynthia (May 15, 2013). "Kevin Tsujihara Realigns Management of WB's TV, Home Entertainment Units". Variety . Archived from the original on August 14, 2013. DC Entertainment prexy Diane Nelson adds oversight of the WB Interactive Entertainment unit overseeing its vidgame biz. She'll now have dual report to Tsujihara and motion picture group topper Jeff Robinov.
  11. ↑ Kit, Borys (July 17, 2013). "DC Entertainment Chief Reveals What's Next for Superman, Wonder Woman and 5 Superheroes Who Deserve Movies (Q&A)". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on August 4, 2014.
  12. ↑ Wilson, Matt D. (November 4, 2013). "DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson Explains Why DC Comics Is Moving West". ComicsAlliance. Archived from the original on July 23, 2014.
  13. ↑ Fritz, Ben (November 4, 2013). "Why DC Entertainment is Leaving New York". The Wall Street Journal . Archived from the original on April 10, 2014.
  14. ↑ Ching, Albert (June 13, 2014). "DC President Diane Nelson Says Female Representation a Priority". Comic Book Resources . Archived from the original on July 23, 2014.
  15. ↑ Goellner, Caleb (April 29, 2014). "DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson Names Wonder Woman A Favorite As Warner Bros. Overlooks A Movie". ComicsAlliance. Archived from the original on July 1, 2014.
  16. ↑ McNary, Dave (August 28, 2015). "Diane Nelson Expands Role to Warner Bros. Consumer Products as Brad Globe Steps Down". Variety. Archived from the original on August 29, 2015.
  17. ↑ Lang, Brent (June 6, 2018). "Diane Nelson Out as DC Entertainment President". Variety. Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
  18. ↑ "Justice League Fights African Hunger Crisis in DC's 'We Can Be Heroes' Campaign". Comic Book Resources. January 23, 2012. Archived from the original on June 26, 2013. I'm proud and grateful we're able to harness the power and standing of the DC Comics brand and iconic characters as well as for the support from both Warner Bros. and Time Warner that has allowed us to pursue this unprecedented initiative.
  19. ↑ Horst, Carole; Graser, Marc (August 8, 2013). "Diane Nelson Leads Superheroes Fight Against Hunger". Variety. Archived from the original on November 19, 2013.
  20. ↑ "Board of Directors". There With Care. 2011. Archived from the original on May 11, 2014.
  21. 1 2 Serrao, Nivea (October 13, 2016). "Wonder Woman named UN Honorary Ambassador for empowerment of women and girls". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on August 6, 2017.
  22. 1 2 "Wonder Woman Named the United Nations' Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls". Business Wire. October 21, 2016. Archived from the original on August 10, 2017.
  23. ↑ "The Hollywood Reporter's 2013 Women in Entertainment Power 100". The Hollywood Reporter. December 10, 2013. Archived from the original on August 18, 2014.
  24. ↑ Boccacino, John (July 25, 2017). "Four Accomplished Alumni to Receive Arents Awards During Orange Central". Syracuse University News. Archived from the original on July 30, 2017.
Preceded by President of DC Comics
2009–2018		Succeeded by
n/a
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.