Press release from Earthlink
Rowland Hanson, the mastermind responsible for developing and executing Microsoft’s successful worldwide marketing and branding strategy of the "Windows" computer interface, is joining forces with Santa Monica-based Fastlane Entertainment and the Australian division on development of the film production of “Trouble Down Under.”
Hanson has already begun working with producing partners Tony Findlay in Sydney, Australia and Frank Miniaci in Santa Monica, California to create a unique business model of integrating multi-media productions, an animation studio, film financing, marketing, branding and multiple distribution outlets.
Findlay and Miniaci are spearheading the indie animated CGI feature film “Trouble Down Under” currently in pre-production from Fastlane Entertainment. Award-winning Aussie film director Steve Trenbirth, who helmed Disney’s “The Lion King II” and “Jungle Book II,” will direct. Sydney animation studio Madcow Pictures will serve as animation headquarters foh Er the film, which is slated for worldwide release in late 2012.
“We’re very excited to welcome Rowland Hanson to our team,” said Findlay and Miniaci in a joint statement. “With his outstanding track record and expertise in business branding, we feel he will be an invaluable asset as we expand our business model to be competitive with any major studio in the world. This first project will be the beginning of a much larger vision both partners share with Rowland and one that Frank has always dreamed of happening.”
Hanson, who is President of CRH & Associates, a strategic consulting firm based in Los Angeles, previously served as Vice President of Corporate Communications at Microsoft where he developed and executed the foundation for the company’s branding strategy and initiatives. He is credited with the naming and the original introduction of numerous products including Microsoft Windows.
Prior to Microsoft, Hanson served as Vice President for Neutrogena Corporation, a leading skin care and cosmetics company, that registered phenomenal growth during his tenure through new product introductions and global joint ventures before being acquired by Johnson & Johnson. The branding being done at Neutrogena became so successful it captured the attention of Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. The two software gurus soon convinced Hanson to follow them in their pursuit of establishing Microsoft as a leader in their industry.
Hanson was also a business development consultant, branding expert and board member of The Nautilus Group, the developer and marketer of such brands as Bowflex, nautilus, Schwinn Fitness and StairMaster. Hanson is a Managing Partner at the Santa Barbara Wellness Institute, which is a source for creating and maintaining a lifestyle dedicated to wellness.
He is also a Partner at Montecito Corporation, which leverages its proprietary Market Intelligence Systems, extensive healthcare industry experience and capital to help its partners identify and qualify the best sites for medical and senior living ventures in the country.
Hanson earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles and an MBA in Business and Marketing from the Wharton School of Business.