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Tag: Amy Pascal

  • Sony Pictures Entertainment to animate Spider-Man

    Sony Pictures Entertainment to animate Spider-Man

    MUMBAI: On 20 July, 2018, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller will be taking Spider-Man back to his graphic roots with the first-of-its-kind animated Spider-Man feature.

     

    The film will exist independently of the projects in the live-action Spider-Man universe, all of which are continuing.

     

    Lord and Miller are masterminding the project, writing the treatment and producing the film.

     

    As previously announced, Spider-Man will next appear in a live-action Marvel film from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sony Pictures will thereafter release the next installment of its $4 billion Spider-Man franchise, on 28 July, 2017, a live-action film being produced by Kevin Feige at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago.

     

    The animated film from Lord and Miller, dated 20 July, 2018, has Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, and Pascal also serving as producers.

     

    Spider-Man, embraced all over the world, is the most successful franchise in the history of Sony Pictures, with the five films having taken in more than $4 billion worldwide.

  • Tom Rothman replaces Amy Pascal at Sony Pictures Entertainment

    Tom Rothman replaces Amy Pascal at Sony Pictures Entertainment

    MUMBAI: After “firing” Amy Pascal in the wake of the email hack scandal, Sony Pictures Entertainment has now brought on board Thomas E. Rothman as chairman of its motion picture group.

     

    Sony Entertainment chairman and CEO Michael Lynton’s contract has also been extended. Lynton will continue to oversee Sony’s global entertainment businesses, which include Sony Music Entertainment, Sony/ATV Music Publishing and SPE.

     

    As chairman of the Motion Picture Group, Rothman will oversee all of Sony’s movie activities worldwide and will report to Lynton. He will also work with Pascal to “ensure a smooth and orderly transition.” Pascal is now an independent producer at the studio.

     

    Rothman is currently chairman of SPE’s TriStar Productions. He will continue to oversee TriStar and its slate of films for the near term, which includes Ricki and the Flash, Billy Lynn, Money Monster and The Walk.

     

    “Tom has had an extraordinary career and we are thrilled to have him run the Motion Picture Group. Tom’s creativity, strong talent relationships and track record of enduring films and commercial success are unparalleled in this industry and exactly what we are looking for to grow our film business. Having run Fox Filmed Entertainment during a time of great successes and growth for that studio, and then producing at TriStar here at SPE, Tom knows this business inside and out like few others do,” said Lynton.

     

    “I am grateful for and humbled by the opportunity to lead the Motion Picture Group. I have had the pleasure of working closely with the exceptionally talented teams at SPE for the past year, and I am excited to build on those relationships in this new role. I want to thank Michael and Amy for their support ever since I came to the lot with TriStar. I am thrilled at this rare opportunity to lead the Motion Picture Group at such an exciting and transformative time for the studio,” Rothman added.

     

    Rothman previously co-led Fox Filmed Entertainment from 2000 to 2012 and founded that studio’s Fox Searchlight unit and headed worldwide production for the Samuel Goldwyn Company from 1989 to 1994. He also worked at Columbia Pictures from 1987 to 1989.

  • ‘Spider-Man’ swings back to Marvel in partnership with Sony Pictures

    ‘Spider-Man’ swings back to Marvel in partnership with Sony Pictures

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment is bringing Marvel Studios into the amazing world of Spider-Man.

     

    Under the deal, the new Spider-Man will first appear in a Marvel film from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sony Pictures will thereafter release the next installment of its $4 billion Spider-Man franchise, on 28 July, 2017, in a film that will be co-produced by Kevin Feige and his expert team at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago. Together, they will collaborate on a new creative direction for the web slinger. Sony Pictures will continue to finance, distribute, own and have final creative control of the Spider-Man films.

     

    Marvel and Sony Pictures are also exploring opportunities to integrate characters from the MCU into future Spider-Man films.

     

    The new relationship follows a decade of speculation among fans about whether Spider-Man – who has always been an integral and important part of the larger Marvel Universe in the comic books – could become part of the Marvel Universe on the big screen. Spider-Man has more than 50 years of history in Marvel’s world, and with this deal, fans will be able to experience Spider-Man taking his rightful place among other Super Heroes in the MCU.

     

    The Walt Disney Company chairman and CEO Bob Iger said, “Spider-Man is one of Marvel’s great characters, beloved around the world. We’re thrilled to work with Sony Pictures to bring the iconic web-slinger into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which opens up fantastic new opportunities for storytelling and franchise building.”

     

    “We always want to collaborate with the best and most successful filmmakers to grow our franchises and develop our characters. Marvel, Kevin Feige and Amy, who helped orchestrate this deal, are the perfect team to help produce the next chapter of Spider-Man. This is the right decision for the franchise, for our business, for Marvel, and for the fans,” said Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Michael Lynton.

     

    “Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios share a love for the characters in the Spider-Man universe and have a long, successful history of working together. This new level of collaboration is the perfect way to take Peter Parker’s story into the future,” added Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group president Doug Belgrad.

     

    “I am thrilled to team with my friends at Sony Pictures along with Amy Pascal to produce the next Spider-Man movie. Amy has been deeply involved in the realization on film of one of the world’s most beloved characters. Marvel’s involvement will hopefully deliver the creative continuity and authenticity that fans demand from the MCU. I am equally excited for the opportunity to have Spider-Man appear in the MCU, something which both we at Marvel, and fans alike, have been looking forward to for years,” said Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.

     

    Spider-Man, embraced all over the world, is the most successful franchise in the history of Sony Pictures, with the five films having taken in more than $4 billion worldwide.

  • Sony Pictures’ Amy Pascal steps down

    Sony Pictures’ Amy Pascal steps down

    MUMBAI: After being targeted by hacking group called ‘Guardians of Peace’, linked closely to North Korea, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Amy Pascal has decided to step down after her emails and conversations were made public. She will be resigning as the co-chairwoman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and chairwoman of Sony Motion Picture Group.

     

    Seen as one of Hollywood’s top most female executives, she has been with the Group since 1996, when she was named as the president of the Columbia Pictures Unit, post her stint with Turner Pictures. Before joining Turner she was with Sony since 1988. Equating the company as her home, Pascal in a statement said, “I have spent almost my entire professional life at Sony Pictures, and I am energized to be starting this new chapter based at the company I call home,”

     

    The embarrassing emails contained her leaked conversations that had her discussing with other executives to halt the release of the humour based film, The Interview. The film is based on the assassination of North Korea’s current leader Kim Jong-un. Not limited to just that, the emails shared in the cyberspace also saw her cracking racially insensitive jokes with producer Scott Rudin about the viewing habits of US President Barack Obama. They both joked that the President’s favourite movies were black themed cinema like Django Unchained and 12 Years A Slave.

     

    Pascal later apologised in a statement which read, “The content of my emails to Scott were insensitive and inappropriate but are not an accurate reflection of who I am. Although this was a private communication that was stolen, I accept full responsibility for what I wrote and apologise to everyone who was offended.”

     

    Pascal who was worked with the studio for close to two decades, will now begin a production company that will see its launch in May 2015. The studio has decided to stand by her as it will fund her company for at least four years and will retain the distribution rights. Her successor is yet to be named.

  • Sony Pictures Animation hires DreamWorks’ Kristine Belson as prez

    Sony Pictures Animation hires DreamWorks’ Kristine Belson as prez

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment has appointed Oscar nominee Kristine Belson as president of Sony Pictures Animation (SPA).

     

    In her new role, Belson will lead the development and production of original material as well as current and future franchises, focusing on creating an environment that nurtures animators and artists. She will report to Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chairman and Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group chairman Amy Pascal.

     

    Belson joins Sony Pictures Animation after spending nearly a decade at DreamWorks Animation, where, most recently, she executive produced How to Train Your Dragon and produced The Croods, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. She joined DreamWorks Animation in 2005 as head of development, where she oversaw the development and acquisition of all feature film projects for the company.

     

    “I’m thrilled to have Kristine join the studio – I know she has a first-rate sense of story and a great eye for material. But she’s more than that: Kristine is a visionary who will make our animation studio a home where the animation industry’s best talent can come and make the films they want to make. I am confident Kristine will help SPA become an even more vital component of the way we construct our overall slate,” said Pascal.

     

    Belson added, “Ten years ago I was lucky enough to join DreamWorks Animation, where I developed a deep understanding and love of the artistry of animation. I am now so charged up to be able to bring my experience and perspective to Sony Pictures Animation, to build on what they’ve begun and to reach new heights. I am deeply grateful to Amy, my first mentor, for giving me this incredible opportunity.”

  • Sony Pictures Ent appoints Man Jit Singh president of Sony Pictures Home Ent

    Sony Pictures Ent appoints Man Jit Singh president of Sony Pictures Home Ent

    • CALIFORNIA: Sony Pictures Entertainment today announced that Man Jit Singh has been named President of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE), reporting to Michael Lynton, CEO, Sony Entertainment, Inc., and Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

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      Man Jit, who was previously Chief Executive Officer, Multi Screen Media Pvt. Ltd. (MSM), the operating company that manages Sony Pictures Television’s TV networks in India, will continue as Non-Executive Chairman at MSM while transitioning from his role in the Television division to his new role in Home Entertainment.

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      N.P. Singh, formerly Chief Operating Officer at MSM, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, managing Sony Pictures Television’s Indian TV networks. N.P. will report to Andy Kaplan, President, Worldwide Networks, Sony Pictures Television.

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      “Man Jit is a savvy global executive with a long track record of success at Sony Pictures, having built our Indian TV channels into high-performance, high-margin businesses. I am confident in his vision for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and his ability to provide strong leadership for the division as the marketplace continues to evolve,” said Lynton.

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      Under Man Jit, Sony Pictures Television’s Indian TV networks leveraged changing technologies and consumer behaviors to grow into some of the most profitable and highest-rated channels in the market.

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      At SPHE, Man Jit will continue the studio’s focus on reducing overhead costs, while growing high-margin businesses.

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      “As the ways in which consumers experience our content continue to change and multiply, our organization and its strategy for delivering content must evolve to meet the demands of the market. I look forward to building on the foundation of innovation and operational discipline at SPHE to position this business for future growth,” said Man Jit.

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      On N.P. Singh’s appointment to CEO of MSM, Man Jit added, “NP and I have worked closely together as equal partners these last five years and the success of the company is largely due to his efforts. The time has come for him to lead the company to the next level and I fully expect the innovations he brings as CEO will ensure we have years of success ahead. As the Non-executive Chairman of MSM, I look forward to supporting NP and will continue to remain involved with the Indian television industry.”

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      In his new role at MSM, N.P. will continue to focus on developing original, local-language programming and expanding the audience for MSM’s eight highly-profitable channels across India and the more than 70 countries around the world where they are viewed.

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      Man Jit Singh has a strong background in technology, entertainment, and consumer products, with over 20 years of experience in global operations. He has worked in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Since 2009, he has overseen Sony Pictures Television’s Networks business in India, which includes SET, SAB, PIX, AXN, MIX, SIX, LIV and MAX. Man Jit was previously Chairman of the Board of Directors of MSM. He spent much of his early career in general management consulting, and he held senior positions at firms including Sibson & Co., LLP in Los Angeles, The Cast Group AG in Zurich, Switzerland and Los Angeles, and Cresap in Los Angeles. Man Jit began his career at Nestle India.

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      N. P. Singh originally joined MSM in 1999 and has been Chief Operating Officer of MSM since December 2004, overseeing day-to-day operations at the company’s highly profitable TV channels and working closely with Man Jit on long-term strategies for continued growth. Previously, Singh served as Chief Financial Officer. Before joining MSM, N.P. held Chief Financial Officer roles at Spice Telecom and Modicorp, and was Controller at Modi Xerox Limited, in addition to other positions.

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      Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

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      Media Contact:
      Charles Sipkins
      310-244-5651
      Charles_Sipkins@spe.sony.com

  • Michael Lynton renews contract with Sony Entertainment

    Michael Lynton renews contract with Sony Entertainment

    MUMBAI: Michael Lynton, Chief Executive Officer of Sony Entertainment, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment, has renewed his contract, it was announced today by Kazuo Hirai, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Corporation.
     
    Lynton joined Sony Pictures Entertainment in January 2004 and, with Co-Chairman Amy Pascal, they put the studio on a path of stability and success across its lines of business. Lynton was appointed to the additional role of CEO, Sony Entertainment, in 2012, overseeing Sony‘s global entertainment businesses, including Sony Music Entertainment, Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Sony Pictures.
     
    This past year, Sony Pictures enjoyed its best performance ever at the worldwide box office, ranking #1 in North American theatrical market share among all Hollywood studios due to the strong performance of hits like Skyfall, The Amazing Spider-Man, Men in Black 3 and Hotel Transylvania.
     
    The company‘s growing Sony Pictures Television unit now encompasses global production and distribution of top-rated programming across all genres, one of the largest libraries of content and formats, as well as a global portfolio of television networks, channel investments, a premium digital video network and multi-platform ad sales.
     
    At Sony Music, led by Chief Executive Officer Doug Morris, increases in digital revenue and chart-topping performers like One Direction, Adele, Alicia Keys and Pink have driven growth. This past year, under the leadership of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Martin Bandier, Sony/ATV took over the administration of EMI Publishing, making it the world‘s foremost music publishing business.
     
    "Michael‘s steady leadership and strong vision for the digital future will help keep Sony‘s entertainment businesses stable and reliable contributors to Sony‘s growth," said Kazuo Hirai.
     
    "I look forward to working closely with Michael in ensuring that music and pictures remain integral parts of our global strategy. We‘re thrilled he will continue at the helm for years to come."
     
    During Lynton‘s tenure, Sony Pictures has rapidly expanded its global presence and digital footprint. Worldwide box office revenue for Sony Pictures‘ films surpassed the four billion dollar mark in 2012 for the first time.
     
    Sony Pictures Television now has 18 production companies in 15 countries around the world covering multiple regions and boasts international television networks with 124 channel feeds in 159 countries reaching over 800 million homes worldwide.
     
    In addition, the studio has become a leader in digital entertainment pioneering business models like the ad-supported Crackle digital video network, early Electronic Sell-Through (EST) and cloud-based content ownership through UltraViolet.
     
    Lynton commented, "I am grateful to work with some of the finest minds in the entertainment business, starting with my partner at Sony Pictures, Amy Pascal, as well as Doug Morris at Sony Music and Marty Bandier at Sony/ATV. They are the best in their fields, and together we will strive to bring the very best films, music and television shows to our growing, global audiences."
     
    Lynton continued, "We will continue to collaborate closely with Kaz Hirai to create innovative, world-class entertainment and technology experiences, as only Sony can."
     
    Born and raised in Europe, Lynton attended Harvard College and Harvard Business School. He has previously worked on Wall Street and for The Walt Disney Company, Hollywood Pictures (serving as President), Pearson plc‘s Penguin Group (Chairman and CEO), AOL Europe (CEO), AOL International (President) and Time Warner International (President).

  • Sony Pictures Entertainment promoted Pascal as co-chairman

    Sony Pictures Entertainment promoted Pascal as co-chairman

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment has promoted Amy Pascal to cochairman and has extended her deal with the studio to 2011. This announcement was made by chairman and CEO Michael Lynton.

    In addition to her new title, Pascal will continue to serve as chairman of the studio’s Motion Picture Group. Both Pascal and Lynton will continue to report to Sony Corporation chairman and CEO Howard Stringer.

    The move recognizes Pascal’s vast contributions to the company and was initiated by Lynton, who wanted to formalize the strong relationship he and Pascal have forged as partners, managing the operations of Sony Pictures, according to an official release.

    “This richly deserved promotion reflects the reality of our partnership here at Sony Pictures,” Lynton said. “Ever since Howard brought us together, Amy and I have been partners in running the studio, and I really wanted our titles to reflect our teamwork.”
    Sony is the only studio to exceed the $6 billion dollar mark in domestic box office sales between 2002 and 2006. To date this year, Sony has released eight films, including The Da Vinci Code, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby and Click.

    Upcoming films from Sony Pictures include the launch of Sony Pictures Animation and their debut title Open Season, Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith, Casino Royale, the 21st James Bond adventure, The Grudge 2, and Nancy Meyers’ The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, Jude Law and Kate Winslet, among many others.

  • ABC cancels Gibson’s proposed show on the holocaust

    ABC cancels Gibson’s proposed show on the holocaust

    MUMBAI: Looks like Oscar winning actor Mel Gibson’s tirade against the Jews after being arrested for drunk driving is starting to cost him big time.

    US broadcaster ABC has announced that it has pulled out of the deal with the star for a show on the holocaust.

    ABC though says that the project has been in the pipeline for the past couple of years and they have not yet seen a script. Gibson was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving last week. He launched into a tirade against Jews, asking the arresting officer if he was a Jew and blaming the Jews for starting all wars.

    The actor is a strong conservative Catholic. His father, media reports indicate, is a Holocaust denier. At the time of the release of Passion Of the Christ Gibson’s father said that reports on the Holocaust were exaggerated. The next day after his arrest Gibson apologised for his remarks and has entered a rehabilitation programme to treat alcoholism.

    On the film front though Disney will go ahead with its plans to release Mel Gibson’s film Apocalypto on 8 December 2006. Hollywood has a strong Jewish presence. That includes Sony Pictures chairwoman Amy Pascal and Laura Ziskin.