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FilmDistrict's Bob Berney Names Theatrical Team; Jeanne Berney Heads Marketing

by Anne Thompson | October 12, 2010 8:01 AM
2 Comments

Thompson on Hollywood
The shape and structure of producer Graham King and Tim Headington's new acquisitions, distribution, production and financing company FilmDistrict, run out of L.A. by ex-Sony exec Peter Schlessel, is coming into focus.

FilmDistrict CEO Schlessel is going to supervise acquisitions for the company, while ex-Picturehouse and Apparition chief Bob Berney will run theatrical marketing and distribution out of New York, with no L.A. staff (this omits such Berney regulars as acquisitions exec Sara Rose and any L.A.-based marketing and PR execs). FilmDistrict plans to release between four and eight wide-release films in the next year.

But Berney has brought on many of his tried-and-true team. They include: wife Jeanne Berney as marketing exec vp, senior distribution vp Dan Lange, senior vp film settlement John Lange, senior vp general sales manager Bill Thompson, distribution director Ryan Markowitz, distribution operations director Nicki Petrone, national exhibitor relations director Deborah Johnson, senior vp business affairs Valerie Bruce, senior vp marketing Kirk Iwanowski and field publicity and promotions director Oleg Dubson. New to working with the Berneys is senior publicity vp Liz Berger, ex of 42 West and Miramax.

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2 Comments

  • Julia Chasman | October 12, 2010 10:52 AMReply

    It is interesting that so many executives are named to run a film division which, seemingly, will not MAKE any of its own films. If they are thinking of making some, I wonder whether there will be an executive in charge of production -- or one with some production experience, at least? If this sounds like a good idea, there are quite a few of us who would be thrilled to hook up with a new buyer! Join forces, I mean, not hook up....

  • FarmerJohn | October 12, 2010 10:26 AMReply

    These losers wouldn't last a day on my farm. Shame on King and Schlessel for letting nepotism rule the roost. Wouldn't happen in my hen house!

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