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Sony Studios elevates Frost, Parnell & Clodfelter
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) recently announced that Jeff Frost has been named president of Sony Pictures Television Studios, the production side of SPE’s television business. Frost will report to SPE chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra.
Concurrently, Chris Parnell and Jason Clodfelter have been named co-presidents of Sony Pictures Television Studios, reporting to Frost. Collectively, they will comprise a new “Office of the President” which will oversee all U.S. production and programming for Sony Pictures Television (SPT).
Parnell and Clodfelter’s oversight will include all creative aspects of the television studio including U.S. Drama and Comedy Development, Reality & Syndication, U.S. Scripted & Current Programming, Talent & Casting, Movies & Miniseries and TriStar Television.
“Jeff, Chris and Jason are the perfect team to run our U.S. television business,” said Vinciquerra. “Over the last several weeks, I have been able to see first-hand the strong leadership qualities possessed by Jeff, Chris and Jason, the high energy and vitality of everyone in their groups and throughout SPT and the outstanding collaboration that exists between them all. I am confident they will not only grow our robust television business, but also strengthen the integration between SPT and SPE’s other lines of business and with the other Sony Group companies.”
“I am thrilled to take on this new role at SPT and honored to work with some of the most talented and creative individuals and teams in the business,” said Frost. “I am particularly excited about working with Chris and Jason. The landscape of our business continues to rapidly evolve, and SPT is in an ideal position to take advantage of industry shifts due to our diversity of programming and ability to air across a broad array of broadcast, cable and digital platforms. We have had great success over the past 10 years and I look forward to working with the team to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead. I want to thank Tony for this opportunity.”
“We are proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last several years and are excited about building on that in this new role,” said Parnell and Clodfelter. “We want to thank Tony for this opportunity and look forward to working with Jeff and the entire SPT team to grow the roster of high-quality programming the industry and audiences have come to expect from SPT.”
SPT’s International Productions will continue to be led by Wayne Garvie, Chief Creative Officer for SPT International Production, who will report to Vinciquerra.
As Executive Vice President, U.S. Business Affairs, Frost has played a lead role in SPT’s overall strategy and negotiations with the studio’s broadcast and production partners and talent, and has been central to the studio’s greatest successes over the last 10 years. Frost joined SPT in 2008 from ABC Studios, where he served as senior vice president, business affairs for the studio’s traditional production arm, as well as their digital media group. Frost joined ABC in 1997 as an attorney in the litigation department and, beginning in 1999, held posts in the legal affairs and business affairs departments for the production company, Touchstone Television, through 2003, when he segued into ABC Cable Networks as senior vice president and head of legal affairs. He rejoined Touchstone Television in 2005 as senior vice president, leading the legal department before taking on his role at SPT business affairs.
Parnell and Clodfelter joined SPT in 2003 and 2006, respectively; both most recently serving as Executive Vice President, U.S. Drama Development and Programming for SPT. Together they have guided the development of scripted programming for drama series, working with writers and producers on projects for broadcast, cable, and streaming outlets. Both have been driving forces behind the studio’s most successful dramas, including Breaking Bad, The Blacklist, Outlander, Bloodline, Masters of Sex, Franklin & Bash, Powers, Helix, Preacher, Justified, The Night Shift, The Get Down, Mad Dogs, Sneaky Pete, Houdini & Doyle, Game of Silence, Unforgettable, Damages and Drop Dead Diva. Prior to joining Sony in 2006, Clodfelter served as director, then vice president of development for Spelling Television, Inc., where he developed the series Wanted and Saving Grace, and as director of development for John Wells Productions.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
