Focus International has been expanded with Alison Thompson named president of the division and will be based in the U.K., Focus Features co-presidents David Linde and James Schamus announced Monday night. She is joining the company from Pathé Pictures International. Key execs in the division Allison Silver (VP, international physical production), Tim Spencer (VP of international sales), and Heta Paarte (VP of international marketing), have all added duties as part of the expansion.
Thompson will oversee all international sales, distribution, and publicity activities. She joined Focus from Miramax in 2002. Silver, Spencer and Paarte will all report to her and are based in NYC. The announcement noted that Thompson will work closely with key Focus execs John Lyons (president of production), Jason Resnick (SVP of acquisitions), and Lee Magiday (VP of acquisitions and productions) on all facets of European production and acquisitions.
Prior to joining Pathé, Thompson was chief executive of The Sales Company and she began her career with the Rank Organisation and Channel Four, and is currently co-chair of Film Export U.K.
"With an exceptional team already in place and at work on our increased slate, we are pleased to have Alison joining us to take Focus International to new heights," said Linde and Schamus in a statement. "Her wealth of expertise in worldwide sales and distribution, coupled with her established relationships with top filmmakers, make her uniquely qualified to captain the continued expansion of Focus in the international marketplace."
