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Tag: David Kosse

  • Netflix ropes in STXinternational’s David Kosse to lead new international film division

    Netflix ropes in STXinternational’s David Kosse to lead new international film division

    MUMBAI: After two high profile exits in the last few days, Netflix has reportedly roped STXinternational’s David Kosse to lead its new international film division. Kosse will be focusing particularly on significant non-English-language films along with overseeing all international production and acquisition for the streaming giant in his role as international film VP.

    According to reports, Kosse will report to Universal alum Scott Stuber. “We want to make significant movies which will have a big impact in major markets such as France, Germany, Italy and Spain but which can also travel to our subscribers around the world. Movies such as Roma and Intouchables. The focus right now for this division is to establish the foreign language movies in the same way Netflix has established series that have travelled,” Kosse commented as quoted by Deadline.

    Teresa Moneo, director of international film and Funa Maduka, director of international film and acquisitions will join Kosse in the Netflix London office. As he has spent his career launching and building international film divisions, the move is expected to boost the company’s international film presence.

    Last week, Netflix CMO Kelly Bennet announced his exit from the company after a stint of seven years. Bennet led Netflix’s marketing efforts at a time when its subscriber base grew exponentially. He also played a very important role in the marketing of original content of the platform. Erik Barmack, Netflix’s current vice-president for international originals, is also leaving the company after an eight-year stint.

  • Universal to set distribution office in Mumbai

    Universal to set distribution office in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: In order to capitalise on the steady increase in the viewership of international cinema in India, Universal Pictures International (UPI) has decided to establish its theatrical distribution operation in Mumbai.


    The Mumbai office marks UPI‘s 14th international operating wing since the company transitioned from its joint venture with Paramount Pictures in 2007. “Establishing operations in India have always been an ambition of UPI and with 2012 bringing us arguably Universal‘s best slate in several years, we have high aspirations for the market,” said Universal Pictures president – international David Kosse.


    The distribution house will be headed by managing director Sarabjit Singh who will report to Universal Pictures International president of distribution Duncan Clark. Singh has been with Paramount Films of India Ltd (UIP) as general manager for more than a decade now.


    This year, UPI brought in more than $400 million with the box office hit Fast and Furious Five that has grossed more than $600 million in global box office to date; Bridesmaids with more than $100 million in international box office and Johnny English 2 with nearly $40 million in international box office to date. Last year, UPI grossed around $ 300 million internationally with Despicable Me.
     

  • Peter Kujawski is executive vp of Universal

    Peter Kujawski is executive vp of Universal

    MUMBAI: Universal has named Peter Kujawski as its executive vice president of worldwide acquisitions. He joins the studio from Universal‘s specialty company Focus Features, where he served as executive vice president of international sales.

    Kujawski will report to Universal co-chairman Donna Langley and be based in Los Angeles. He will also work closely with David Kosse, Universal‘s president of international.
     
    "Peter‘s vast experience selling specialty films gives him a unique perspective on the global marketplace and undeniably qualifies him to lead our acquisitions efforts," Langley said in a statement.

    The move reflects a centralizing and streamlining of Universal‘s acquisitions department, that was earlier handled by Christian Grass, the then president of international production and acquisitions before he left in June last.

    Kujawski will oversee Universal‘s acquisitions from around the globe and "maximize distribution opportunities" for the company.
     
    As a key member of Focus‘ international sales team, Bruno is credited with selling films ranging from Pedro Almodóvar‘s Volver and Zhang Yimou‘s House of Flying Daggers to Michel Gondry‘s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Sofia Coppola‘s Lost In Translation to the upcoming Cloud Atlas from Tom Tykwer and Andy and Lana Wachowski and Hyde Park on Hudson from Roger Michell.