A deeper dive into our lead host, David Levine
Introducing the lead host of Big LGBTQ+, David Levine
David Levine is a seasoned creative content strategist, building multiple billion dollar kids content franchises, launching and producing series across the globe, and is a recognized leader for inclusion and equity. Through his company Lightboat Media, David provides advisory and consultant services to companies looking to grow in the global content landscape. Clients include 9 Story Media, Mattel, Electrify Video Partners, Southampton FC and TutoToons.
David most recently served as the Chief Content Officer for Moonbug Entertainment, leading its creative and production teams to produce world-class pre-school content. David led the expansion of its digital-first properties into premium platforms, serving as Executive Producer on CoComelon Lane and Little Baby Bum Music Time (Netflix), Blippi’s Treehouse and Arpo Robot Babysitter (Amazon Kids+), as well as leading production on 25+ digital series, scores of albums, and expansion into over 25 languages.
David previously served over 16 years at Disney Channels in multiple programming and content strategy roles, including VP, Kids Programming, Disney Channels Europe and Africa/UK & Ireland, driving the development of the linear and multi-platform/OTT programming strategy. He was responsible for determining the direction of original production and overseeing the development and production slates of originally produced content, acquisitions, and co-productions. David also led the global content rollout of franchises such as High School Musical and Hannah Montana. Prior to Disney, David served in various legal and business affairs/development at Ragdoll (Teletubbies) and Marvel.
David has spearheaded diverse and LGBTQ+ inclusive representation in kids programming. He was named among the UK’s OUTstanding/FT Top 100 LGBT+ Executive for three years, and won the British LGBT Award for ‘Inspirational Leader.’
David has also supported the Israeli kids television industry for many years, first mentoring and speaking at the Hop, Skip & Jump Festival in 2017, commissioning Snowball Studios to produce a premium CoComelon series for Netflix, and creating “The Lodge” for Disney Channels Worldwide, an English language global version of Disney Channel Israel’s “North Star.” David continues to support the Israeli content and animation industry, with clients such as HOP! Media, IZZY and YouTuber/documentarian Simcha Jacobivici.
He is the founding Executive Sponsor of Pride UK&I, Disney’s first international business resource group for LGBTQ+ and Ally employees, and led that group to organise its first events in London, Dublin and Munich, as well as “Magical Pride,” the first LGBT+ event at Disneyland Paris. He was named among the UK’s OUTstanding/Financial Times Top 100 LGBT+ Executive for the past three years, and was nominated by the British LGBT Awards as a ‘Diversity Hero’ and ‘Inspirational Leader.’
