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 November 18, 2008 iW NEWS | Overture Deals With Cheadle's Crescendo
Overture Films has signed a two-year, first look deal with Crescendo Productions, the company headed by Don Cheadle, Lenore Zerman and Kay Liberman; Overture CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett jointly announced Monday. The arrangement gives Overture access to film product from Crescendo. Crescendo's past projects include 2007's documentary "Darfur Now," and are in development on a project based on the life of legendary jazz musician Miles Davis. "There's no other company that we'd rather be in business with," said Cheadle in a statement. "All of us at Crescendo have a long and successful history with Chris and Danny that we are looking to build upon with this partnership." [Peter Knegt]  [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] October 30, 2008iW NEWS | Heustess Takes Outfest Reins
Todd Heustess has been officially unveiled as the new executive director at Outfest, the organization behind the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, one of the nation's largest. Heustess most recently served as director of corporate giving at the San Francisco Opera and replaces Stephen Gutwillig who resigned at the end of 2007. After a nationwide search, the Board of Directors selected Heustess and introduced him to Outfest stakeholders at last month's annual Legacy Awards, which honored Academy Award-winning producer Bruce Cohen and NBC Universal. "I am grateful to all the donors and supporters of Outfest and plan to honor their commitment by expanding the reach of our work, discovering and supporting emerging filmmakers and their visions and welcoming new stakeholders and fans to the Outfest family," commented Heustess in a statement. "I look forward to working with [programming director] Kirsten Schaffer, the Board of Directors and the entire Outfest team as we take the organization to new heights." [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] October 23, 2008INDUSTRY MOVES | Hot Docs Appoints Radshaw For TDF
Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival has announced that Elizabeth Radshaw has been named the new director of the Toronto Documentary Forum (TDF), the Festival's nternational market event. Elizabeth comes to Hot Docs from TVF International Television Distribution in London, a U.K.-based independent specialist factual distributor, where she was head of acquisitions. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] INDUSTRY MOVES | Philadelphia Film Society Announces New Management
The Philadelphia Film Society, presenters of both the Philadelphia Film Festival and the Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival have announced two new appointments to the Society's permanent management team. J. Andrew Greenblatt will serve as the Society's new Executive Director, while Eric Bresler will be the new Managing Director. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] October 6, 2008INDUSTRY MOVES | Martesko-Fenster Joins Babelgum
Karol Martesko-Fenster has joined Babelgum as General Manager & Publisher of the company's Film Division. Martesko-Fenster will oversee all aspects of the film side of Babelgum, expanding programming acquisitions and partnerships and global film industry and festival activities. He will also assume the role of Managing Director of the Babelgum Online Film Festival working closely with creator Stefania Valenti and Jury Chairman Spike Lee. "Babelgum's film programming is mainly focused on people who are passionate about indie film", said CEO Valerio Zingarelli, in a statement. "Karol's passion for this material is just what we need to build a vibrant independent film community on the Babelgum platform". Karol Martesko-Fenster previously served as the founder and publisher of FILMMAKER Magazine, founded and headed RES Media Group and Tomorrow Unlimited, was president & publisher of the SiliconAlley Reporter and Digital Coast Reporter, was involved with the launch of CINELAN and was a co-founder of indieWIRE. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] October 3, 2008iW NEWS | Mackiewicz Joins Regent Worldwide Sales as co-prez
Liz Mackiewicz is joining Regent Worldwide Sales as co-president, the company -- an affiliate of Regent Entertainement -- unveiled. She will serve with co-president, Adam Wright. Together, Mackiewicz and Wright will share all management and distribution initiatives, furthering the expansion of the 10 year-old company. Prior to joining Regent, Mackiewicz served as senior vice president of international sales for Morgan Creek International. In this position, Mackiewicz was responsible for evaluating projects, sales in all territories, maintaining major studio relationships, licensing and distribution activities. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] September 25, 2008iW NEWS | Mark and Condon To Guide 81st Oscars
Producer Laurence Mark has been announced as the producer of the 81st Annual Academy Awards telecast, while writer/director Bill Condon has been tapped to executive produce. It will be their first involvement in the production of an Oscar show. "Larry and Bill are fresh thinkers who will bring a unique perspective to the Oscar show," said Academy President Sid Ganis in a statement. "That fact, joined with their enormous collective talent and enthusiasm, will serve the 81st awards proceedings perfectly." The 81st Academy Awards presentation will be take place Sunday, February 22, 2009. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Awards Watch, Industry Moves ] INDUSTRY MOVES | Pere Joining Locarno
Olivier Pere is leaving the Director's Fortnight in Cannes to become the Artistic Director at the Locarno International Film Festival. He will join the event at the end of next year's Locarno festival, replacing Frederic Maire, who will leave to head the Swiss Cinematheque late next year. [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] September 24, 2008iW NEWS | MoMA Promotes Seigel, Hires Trainor
Joshua Siegel has been promoted to to Associate Curator of the Department of FIlm at the MoMA, while Katie Trainor has been hired for the new position of Film Collections Manager. Siegel joined the department in 1993 as Curatorial Assistant and has been Assistant Curator since 1997. Since 2000, he has co-organized the annual exhibition "To Save and Project: The MoMA International Festival of Film Preservation." Trainor, who formerly served as a project film preservationist in MoMA's Celeste Bartos Film Preservation Center in Hamlin, PA, returns to MoMA. In the new position, Trainor will oversee the implementation of all film preservation initiatives for the Museum's collection of over 22,000 titles. Trainor most recently she helped launch the IFC Film Center in New York as its inaugural operations manager. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] September 8, 2008iW NEWS | Finneran Joining Sundance Doc Program
Documentary coverage sponsored by SnagFilms. Silverdocs festival director Patricia Finneran is leaving the festival and heading to New York City to join the Sundance Institute as the organization's new senior consultant for the Documentary Film Program. She will rep the program internationally and work on the Institute's Sundance Doc Fund and the Skoll Foundation's Stories of Change: Social Entrepreneurship in Focus Through Documentary. Finneran told indieWIRE today that she will start at Sundance in November and plans to build a new business aimed at developing and distributing, "media that promotes social engagement, with an emphasis on partnering with both non-profits and corporate marketing campaigns to reach audiences across multiple platforms." More details should be announced soon. She is replacing Bruni Burres, long-time Executive Director of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival, who will be moving to a full time position as at the International Center for Transitional Justice. Finneran, who joined Silverdocs in 2003, previously served as artistic director for the IFP Market. [Eugene Hernandez][permalink] [ filed under Documentary, Industry Moves ] August 29, 2008iW NEWS | Urman Exits THINKFilm for Senator
THINKFilm president and co-founder Mark Urman is leaving the New York-based distributor to join Marco Weber's Senator Entertainment U.S. as president of his newly formed distribution company. He will start October 1. According to a release, the teaming with Urman "follows Weber's recent acquisition of all shares in U.S.-based Senator Entertainment Inc. in order to focus solely on the production of English language films and to establish this U.S. based distribution entity." Senator will be based in both New York and Los Angeles. Currently, Senator is prepping production for Gregor Jordan's thriller "Unthinkable," starring Samuel L. Jackson and Martin Weisz's "Clocktower." In addition to its production slate, Senator will acquire titles to add to its roster. The company recently purchased U.S. rights to crime epic "Public Eneny No. 1," starring Vincent Cassel and Gerard Depardieu. The film will have its gala world premiere screening at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival. "I believe this is the perfect time to launch a company of this shape and size," commented Urman in a statement. "And I'm thrilled to be joining Marco in this exciting new endeavor. We start with an exceptional line-up that combines commercial crossover films with classically niche-oriented ones, and we'll have the ability to alternate wide releases-- involving hundreds of prints--with prestige titles that expand from exclusive platforms." THINKFilm has recently been dogged by legal and financial troubles. There is no immediate word as to the company's next course. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] August 27, 2008iW NEWS | Jaman and Lionsgate Announce Deal
Jaman.com, has announced a deal to distribute a large collection of titles from Lionsgate. Under the terms of the deal, Jaman.com will showcase select Lionsgate titles on its site. A number of these titles will be available for free, ad-supported and instantly streamed in high-definition quality. This deal makes more than 100 of the movies from Lionsgate library available to Jaman's community of film fans. Among the titles are "Dogville," "Caramel," Gods and Monsters," "Teeth" and "Requiem For a Dream." "We are delighted to add these excellent Lionsgate films to our collection of quality movies," said Gaurav Dhillon, founder and CEO of Jaman, in a statement. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] August 25, 2008iW NEWS | Laemmle Music Hall To Join Emerging Cinemas
It was announced that the Laemmle Music Hall is joining the Emerging Cinemas Network, whic is made up of independent theaters and cultural institutions that are tied together through the use of Emerging's digital cinema system. The Music Hall is the first location for Emerging Cinemas in southern California, and the 50th location in the United States. Initial programming at the Music Hall will be the current season of La Scala Operas, which Emerging Pictures distributes exclusively in the U.S. and other territories. Other upcoming programming offered through Emerging includes the just completed Salzburg Festival, ballets from the Bolshoi, and a wide range of independent films, documentaries and foreign language films. "We've been highly selective in finding a location in Los Angeles that is the right match for our audience, and with the Music Hall, we've found it," said Barry Rebo, Chairman of Emerging Pictures, in a statement. "The reputation for quality that has been fostered at Laemmle Theaters over the years is the perfect environment for our cultural offerings." [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] August 20, 2008iW NEWS | Friedlander To Head CBS Films Distribution
Steven Friedlander has been named Executive Vice President, Theatrical Distribution of CBS Films. In this new position, Friedlander will be responsible for overseeing the domestic theatrical distribution for the studio's films. The move officially establishes CBS Films' planned domestic distribution unit. "Steven's reputation is stellar," said Amy Baer, President and Chief Executive Officer of the film division within CBS Corporation, in a statement. "He's one of the most respected distribution executives in the industry today -- highly regarded among filmmakers and exhibitors alike." Friedlander joins CBS Films from Warner Independent Pictures, where he served as Executive Vice President of Distribution. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Biz, Industry Moves ] August 13, 2008iW NEWS | Ganis Re-Elected President of Academy
Sid Ganis was re-elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences yesterday evening by the organization's Board of Governors. "It's such a privilege to serve as president of this Academy," said Ganis in a statement. "It's a dynamic time for our organization and our art form. I'm incredibly proud to be part of it." This will be his fourth consecutive term in the office. In addition, Robert Rehme, an Executives Branch governor and past Academy president, was re-elected first vice president; Producers Branch governors Kathleen Kennedy and Hawk Koch were elected to vice president posts; Executives Branch governor Tom Sherak was elected treasurer and Public Relations Branch governor Cheryl Boone Isaacs was elected secretary. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] August 6, 2008INDUSTRY MOVES | Bingham Ray Named SKE President of Creative Affairs
In a restructuring of Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, company president Jim Tauber announced that Bingham Ray has been named President of Creative Affairs. SKE production president Bill Horberg is leaving, effective immediately, for a first-look production deal with the company. Ray, who co-founded October Films in 1991 and then became president of United Artists in 2001, joined SKE as a senior marketing and distribution exec last year. [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] iW NEWS | Korean Province Launches Entertainment Initiative
The Gyeonggi province, which is the center of Korean commerce, is launching an investment fund and comprehensive production support program to promote joint ventures between the Hollywood and Korean entertainment communities. The announcement was made today by Byung Heon Kim, President of Gyeonggi Digital Content Agency (GDCA). Hollywood production companies and content creators, especially those working in animation and visual effects, are eligible to apply for the program when partnering with a Korean entity. Selected partners will benefit from a growing investment fund as well as production and post-production support services in "Hallyuwood," an entertainment complex in the northern Gyeonggi. "The U.S. is widely recognized as having the strongest and most robust system for producing and distributing films, broadcast programming and videogames to a global audience," said GDCA's Kim in a statement. "Our entertainment fund will unite this great Hollywood expertise with Korean creativity and technical know-how to produce new content for all to enjoy." [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Biz, Industry Moves ] August 1, 2008iW NEWS | Hot Docs Announces Partnerships for "Soup"
Documentary coverage sponsored by SnagFilms. Hot Docs has announced that it will partner with the Calgary International Film Festival and the Whistler Film Festival to launch its "Doc Soup" screening series in Calgary and Vancouver this fall. "We're thrilled to have these dynamic partners helping us to cultivate wider Canadian audiences for documentaries," says Chris McDonald, Executive Director of Hot Docs, in a statement. "Both festivals have developed loyal followings and we're certain that they'll embrace Doc Soup as Toronto audiences have done." Films selected for Doc Soup in Calgary and Vancouver will be premieres in those markets and guest directors will also be present at select screenings. Films will be programmed by Sean Farnel, Hot Docs' Director of Programming, and his team, in consultation with the Calgary International Film Festival and the Whistler Film Festival. [Peter Knegt][permalink] [ filed under Documentary, Industry Moves ] July 23, 2008iW NEWS | Maizel Named Newport Executive Director
Jennifer Maizel has been named the new executive director at the Newport International Film Festival. Maizel had worked at the festival, which takes place in June in Newport, Rhode Island, as director of guest services in 2006. Most recently, she served, for the past three years, as managing director of the Sarasota Film Festival. "I'm very excited about Newport," commented Maizel in a statement. "I think my main goal is to continue the strong relationship between the festival and the community, not just the Newport community but the state and the region. And I want the festival to have a strong relationship with the film industry. That's important." [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] July 16, 2008iW NEWS | Lincoln Center Appoints Manus
The Film Society of Lincoln Center has announced that Mara Manus has been appointed Executive Director. She joins the organization after six years as Executive Director of The Public Theater in New York. "We are thrilled to welcome Mara Manus to the Film Society," said Daniel Stern, president of the Board, in a statement. "She will be a great leader for our organization and will take the Film Society to new heights." Manus' appointment is effective September 15, 2008. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] Older Buzz/Rumors about Industry MovesJuly 15, 2008 July 8, 2008 July 7, 2008 July 1, 2008 July 1, 2008 July 1, 2008 June 18, 2008 June 17, 2008 June 16, 2008 May 29, 2008 May 20, 2008 May 6, 2008 May 1, 2008 May 1, 2008 May 1, 2008 April 25, 2008 April 24, 2008 April 17, 2008 March 24, 2008 February 4, 2008 January 18, 2008 January 17, 2008 January 14, 2008 December 19, 2007 December 6, 2007 November 20, 2007 November 20, 2007 November 19, 2007 November 15, 2007 November 14, 2007 November 12, 2007 November 7, 2007 November 2, 2007 October 31, 2007 October 30, 2007 October 30, 2007 October 18, 2007 October 4, 2007 October 3, 2007 October 3, 2007 October 3, 2007 September 6, 2007 September 5, 2007 September 4, 2007 August 28, 2007 August 21, 2007 August 8, 2007 August 6, 2007 July 30, 2007 July 25, 2007 July 24, 2007 July 17, 2007 July 16, 2007 July 10, 2007 July 10, 2007 July 9, 2007 June 26, 2007 June 25, 2007 June 20, 2007 June 13, 2007 June 12, 2007 June 12, 2007 June 7, 2007 June 7, 2007 June 6, 2007 June 1, 2007 June 1, 2007 May 30, 2007 May 22, 2007 May 18, 2007 May 17, 2007 May 7, 2007 May 1, 2007 April 26, 2007 April 24, 2007 April 12, 2007 April 12, 2007 April 11, 2007 April 10, 2007 April 10, 2007 April 4, 2007 April 2, 2007 March 29, 2007 March 22, 2007 March 21, 2007 March 19, 2007 March 15, 2007 March 14, 2007 March 8, 2007 March 7, 2007 March 5, 2007 March 5, 2007 March 2, 2007 February 28, 2007 February 22, 2007 February 22, 2007 February 20, 2007 February 14, 2007 February 8, 2007 February 5, 2007 January 31, 2007 January 18, 2007 January 17, 2007 January 17, 2007 January 15, 2007 January 15, 2007 January 11, 2007 January 8, 2007 December 19, 2006 December 6, 2006 December 5, 2006 December 5, 2006 December 1, 2006 December 1, 2006 October 23, 2006 October 12, 2006 October 6, 2006 October 2, 2006 September 22, 2006 September 15, 2006 September 12, 2006 September 5, 2006 August 16, 2006 August 15, 2006 August 11, 2006 August 11, 2006 August 8, 2006 August 4, 2006 August 3, 2006 July 30, 2006 July 24, 2006 July 18, 2006 July 18, 2006 July 17, 2006 July 10, 2006 July 9, 2006 July 9, 2006 June 29, 2006 June 29, 2006 June 12, 2006 May 9, 2006 May 8, 2006 April 26, 2006 April 24, 2006 April 20, 2006 April 20, 2006 April 20, 2006 April 17, 2006 April 14, 2006 April 13, 2006 April 5, 2006 March 29, 2006 March 9, 2006 February 23, 2006 February 23, 2006 February 10, 2006 February 9, 2006 February 2, 2006 January 12, 2006 January 8, 2006 January 5, 2006 November 30, 2005 November 29, 2005 November 22, 2005 November 17, 2005 November 14, 2005 November 8, 2005 October 31, 2005 October 21, 2005 October 21, 2005 October 20, 2005 October 19, 2005 October 14, 2005 October 11, 2005 October 11, 2005 October 10, 2005 October 6, 2005 October 5, 2005 October 3, 2005 October 3, 2005 September 29, 2005 September 27, 2005 September 21, 2005 September 20, 2005 September 18, 2005 September 15, 2005 September 13, 2005 September 11, 2005 September 8, 2005 September 7, 2005 August 31, 2005 August 28, 2005 | |
