Our Team
Tony DiSanto CEO & Founder
Tony DiSanto began his career as an intern at MTV while studying film & television at NYU. This began a 20-year attachment to the network working as a Director, Producer, Executive Producer, and eventually President. DiSanto was responsible for co-creating / developing the long-running Total Request Live (TRL) and Developed/Executive Produced hit series including Made, Run’s House, Laguna Beach, Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out, The Hills, America’s Best Dance Crew, Jersey Shore, and Teen Mom among many, many more. In 2009, DiSanto was appointed President of MTV, taking the reigns on scripted & reality series, live events, specials, and feature films for TV, leading to the biggest ratings turnaround in the channel’s history in 2010. During DiSanto’s tenure as MTV president, the network’s ratings rose 30 percent and several shows became the highest rated on cable television. Now, DiSanto focuses his creative vision and experience on creating content across a wide array of networks and platforms.
Tony DiSanto CEO & Founder
Andrew Portnoy Executive Vice President, Production
Andy has worked in the television industry for more than 20 years across a diverse portfolio of content and brands including positions at MTV, VH1, Spike TV and Nickelodeon.
Prior to joining DIGA Andy was most recently SVP, Head of Strategic Content Operations at MTV, VH1 and Logowhere he provided operational leadership and strategic support to the leadership team around all aspects of content production. Previously Andy was MTV’s Senior Vice President, Head of Production where he led a team of 30+ staff and freelancers that managed an average of 140 projects for air and 30-40 development projects per year. Andy launched some of Viacom’s biggest franchise series including Jersey Shore Family Vacation, Floribama Shore, Teen Mom, Catfish and the TRL multi-platform execution. He also oversaw the design, build, execution and day-to-day management of the TRL studio at 1515 Broadway. Some of the more notable projects Andy oversaw include the original Jersey Shore, the MTV Video Music Awards, Catfish, Teen Mom, Real World, Wild N Out, the original TRL and 16 & Pregnant.
In a previous role Andy was intricately involved in the launch of Spike and oversaw all physical production for the network. Andy earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan.
Andrew Portnoy EVP, Production
Patrick Smith Vice President, Alternative & Creative Producer
Since joining DIGA in February of 2018 Patrick has been at the forefront of developing innovative opportunities for the company. In addition to creating and developing DIGA’s podcast division, DIGA Sounds, Patrick also orchestrated DIGA’s partnerships with John Carpenter and with Heavy Metal Magazine, laying the foundation for collaborations that spans Publishing, Podcasting, TV and Film. Most recently, Patrick was an executive producer on John Carpenter’s Suburban Screams after previously serveingas showrunner for the 26-episode Instagram series Breaking Ground with Dylan & Barbara with Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin.
Prior to joining DIGA, Patrick was a development executive with Complex, where he oversaw development of premium and scripted longform, shortform and branded content, including Complex’s first longform series, Complex Con(versations). Before that, he was Director of Creative Development at Rolling Stone, leading daily video and branded content development, including campaigns for Harley Davidson, HBO, Dannon and Dodge. Patrick co-created and produced Rolling Stone’s first ever podcast, Music Now.
Patrick Smith VP Alternative, Creative Producer
Maria Skillman Vice President, Current Series
Maria is the VP of Current Series for DIGA Studios where she oversees and develops a wide range of content across all platforms and genres. Before stepping into her role as a current exec, Maria came from the world of development. Over the years, she has helped create, cast, and sell programming in real estate, food, game, comedy, true crime, and horror.
Prior to joining DIGA, Maria worked at Don Buchwald & Associates, a bi-coastal talent agency where she assisted in booking talent for narration, animation, and on-camera commercial roles. Maria also spent three years at PBS Wisconsin as a camera operator, floor manager, and director for weekly news programs Here & Now, Wednesday Night at the Lab, and various pledge drives.
Maria Skillman Vice President, Current Series