The way I always describe Jerry Sachs-especially if someone is meeting him for the first time-is, he’s the guru of children’s programming in the United States and a person whose opinion I rely upon heavily when making decisions,’ says Cathy Malatesta, vice president, international projects for Warner Television.

‘His opinion and his attitude towards children’s television is very important for all projects I look at.’

Malatesta, who first worked with Sachs on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles while at Westinghouse, has subsequently worked with him on The Stone Protectors and Skeleton Warriors. She considers him ‘a supreme navigator’ in taking a project from concept to broadcast and merchandising strategies.

Besides that, Malatesta cherishes him for his generosity.

‘One of the most significant things about Jerry is, he’s always willing to share his information on children’s programming and his gut reaction to things,’ she says. ‘He’s never stingy with that.’