Biography
Bestselling author, marketing executive and television producer Josh Sabarra appeared regularly as a correspondent on Twentieth Television’s The New Ricki Lake Show, where he was also a consulting producer. In addition, he is a frequent on-air contributor to CNN Headline News and the executive producer of the hit Hallmark movie series Hailey Dean Mysteries. His debut novel, Enemies Closer, as well as his first book, Porn Again: A Memoir, are available worldwide. His writing can also be found in outlets including the HuffPost, The Advocate, Out and Gay Times (U.K.).
A veteran marketing, publicity and corporate communications executive with comprehensive management experience in theatrical motion pictures, television and home entertainment, Sabarra is highly skilled in all aspects of entertainment public relations. With an extensive network of filmmaker, talent and press contacts across trade and consumer outlets (print, broadcast and online/social media), he is expert at handling corporate and crisis communications, media training, personal/product publicity and image development through his firm, Breaking News PR ®.
Most recently, Sabarra served as senior vice president of corporate communications and publicity for A&E/Lifetime Networks, responsible for the high profile and successful launches of such series as Project Runway and Sony’s hit comedic drama Drop Dead Diva. In addition, he oversaw top-rated movie projects including Coco Chanel (starring Shirley MacLaine), Living Proof (starring Harry Connick, Jr.), Prayers for Bobby (starring Sigourney Weaver) and Georgia O’Keeffe (starring Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons). As senior vice president of marketing communications and publicity for New Line Cinema/Home Entertainment, Sabarra spearheaded campaigns for blockbuster films including Elf, The Lord of the Rings, The Notebook, Wedding Crashers and Hairspray. Previously, as vice president of media relations at Miramax Films, he handled a variety of special projects and film launches including Kill Bill, The Station Agent and Cold Mountain.
Prior to his executive role at Miramax Films, Sabarra was director of publicity and communications for Warner Home Video, where he oversaw campaigns for the Harry Potter franchise and studio classics such as Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and Giant.
Beginning his career with Buena Vista Pictures Marketing (Walt Disney Pictures and Touchstone Pictures), Sabarra worked on theatrical publicity campaigns for box-office hits Hercules, Mulan, Armageddon, Toy Story 2 and The Sixth Sense, among many others.
Josh Sabarra graduated from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, with a dual degree in Motion Pictures/Communications and Psychology. He resides in Los Angeles, California.