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Tag: Harry E. Sloan

  • MGM partners with Tom Cruise, Paula Wagner to revive United Artists

    MGM partners with Tom Cruise, Paula Wagner to revive United Artists

    MUMBAI: United Artists (UA), the studio founded by movie greats Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and D.W. Griffith some 85 years ago and responsible for delivering film franchises as Rocky, Pink Panther and James Bond will be reborn.

    This is being done through a partnership formed between Cruise, Wagner and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), which was announced by MGM chairman and CEO Harry E. Sloan.

    Cruise and Wagner were previously with Paramount before they parted ways earlier this year ending a 14 year relationship.

    Along with their substantial ownership, Cruise and Wagner will have control of setting the company’s production slate, from development to production greenlighting ability, subject to certain parameters. Wagner will serve as chief executive officer of United Artists alongside her longstanding producing partner Cruise, who will star in as well as produce films for United Artists and also be available to appear in film projects for other studios, asserts an official release.

    Cruise last teamed up with the original UA in Rain Man in 1988. In establishing United Artists as a new entity, MGM and Cruise/Wagner will look to return the studio to its former roots by recognising what made UA great in the first place — studio management by creative talent who can best encourage and support other creative talent.

    The studio will be reborn as a place where producers, writers, directors and actors can thrive in a creative environment, developing and producing entertaining film projects. The plan would allow artists throughout the community to pursue their creative visions outside of the traditional studio system, adds the release.

    The studio plans to have a production slate of approximately four films each year, which may increase in the future. Worldwide marketing and distribution will be handled by partner MGM. UA will be a major supplier of feature films to MGM, with production and development of UA movies being fully financed by MGM and its partners.

    Sloan said, “Tom and Paula are the modern versions of the iconic founders of United Artists — Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin and D. W. Griffith — and our partnership with them reaffirms our commitment to providing creative talent with a comfortable home at United Artists and a dedicated distribution partner in MGM. ”

    Cruise said, “Paula and I are very respectful of the rich history and tradition of United Artists, and we welcome the opportunity to contribute to that legacy by providing a wide range of releases that appeal to all audiences. It’s our desire to create an environment where filmmakers can thrive and see their visions realized.”

    MGM COO Rick Sands said, “Providing Tom and Paula with the ability to greenlight films under the UA banner validates MGM’s commitment to and recognition of independent producers as the true creative nucleus of Hollywood filmmaking.The resurgence of United Artists will take us another step closer to realizing the full revitalization of MGM. Harry and I are personally thrilled to be working with Tom and Paula.”

  • MGM expands worldwide TV distribution; Jim Packer appointed president

    MGM expands worldwide TV distribution; Jim Packer appointed president

    MUMBAI: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) is reinvigorating its worldwide television distribution operation, hiring senior management and bringing a number of new high profile programs to buyers around the globe. The announcement was made by MGM chairman & CEO Harry E. Sloan and MGM COO Rick Sands.

    The restructured MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group, which reports to Sands, is headed by seasoned distribution executive Jim Packer, who assumes the new title of president. In this position, Packer remains in charge of television distribution worldwide, including US barter sales and syndication, as well as all emerging forms of television programming distribution on a worldwide basis, states an official release.

    “After reinvigorating our domestic theatrical distribution business with over 20 new theatrical pictures a year, and establishing a dedicated MGM sales force in partnership with Fox Video, the next logical step is to expand our worldwide television distribution operation to meet our increased activity and product flow,” said Sloan in announcing the division’s restructuring. “Further, the international market for TV product has never been healthier and MGM continues to be an active and extremely competitive player in the marketplace.”

    Sands added: “As aggressive and smart competitors, the reorganization of our worldwide television distribution operation is simply one way of maximizing the assets in our library and positions us for future growth in the marketplace. Jim Packer has already made significant contributions during his tenure at MGM and we are pleased he will be leading us to even bigger growth opportunities in his new role as President of the group.”

    “After spending the last six years here at MGM, I truly understand the value of this tremendous library,” said Packer. “Having been given the challenge of increasing our market presence, I could not be more enthused about the expansion of our worldwide distribution team. With ‘Casino Royale,’ ‘Rocky Balboa’ and our new slate of premiere movie titles, our expanded distribution presence comes at the ideal time.”

    Adding fuel to its distribution pipeline, MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will handle the international television sales for “Casino Royale” the new James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig, and “Rocky Balboa,” the sixth and final Rocky movie starring Sylvester Stallone. Leveraging proven properties within the massive MGM library, the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will launch a worldwide sales campaign for the following movies: Legally Blonde 3, Cutting Edge 3
    Into the Blue 2, WarGames 2 and Species 4.

    In addition to its new program offerings, the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will continue to handle distribution of over 4,000 movie titles and 10,000 television series that make up the MGM library, the world’s largest modern filmed and television library. Among the key television properties featured in the MGM catalogue are “Stargate SG-1,” the sci-fi series that is celebrating its record-setting 200th episode on the Sci-Fi Channel, and the immensely popular drama series “The L Word,” which airs on Showtime in the US, the release adds.

    With the announcement of the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group restructuring, MGM has also announced key promotions within the group. Joe Patrick has been promoted to executive vice president, North America. He previously served as senior VP for the studio and is based in Los Angeles. Mary Ann Pasante, who has been the VP of Latin America Sales, has also been promoted to senior VP of Latin America Sales and will continue to be based in Atlanta.

    Packer, who joined MGM in 2001, initially served as EVP, Domestic TV. In this post, he was the architect of several innovative partnerships, including the MGM/UPN “Weekend Movie” and the PAX/MGM “Night at the Movies.”

    Packer was promoted to EVP of MGM’s Worldwide Television Distribution unit in April 2005, charged with oversight of the studio’s worldwide TV distribution activities, including the licensing of MGM programming to TV outlets around the world for free to air network television, basic and pay cable. Packer will continue to be based at the studio’s headquarters in Los Angeles.

    Before joining MGM, Packer was an executive with The Walt Disney Company, where he spent 15 years working within the Buena Vista Domestic Television Distribution unit. During his tenure at Buena Vista, Packer consistently increased his areas of responsibility, handling the distribution of off-network product, theatrical films and first run series, including such properties as “Home Improvement,” “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” and “The Golden Girls,” as well as numerous movie packages. Packer, a graduate of Leeds Business School at the University of Colorado at Boulder, also serves on the Board of Governors for the Museum of Television & Radio.

  • MGM expands worldwide TV distribution; Jim Packer appointed president

    MUMBAI: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) is reinvigorating its worldwide television distribution operation, hiring senior management and bringing a number of new high profile programs to buyers around the globe. The announcement was made by MGM chairman & CEO Harry E. Sloan and MGM COO Rick Sands.
    The restructured MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group, which reports to Sands, is headed by seasoned distribution executive Jim Packer, who assumes the new title of president. In this position, Packer remains in charge of television distribution worldwide, including US barter sales and syndication, as well as all emerging forms of television programming distribution on a worldwide basis, states an official release.

    “After reinvigorating our domestic theatrical distribution business with over 20 new theatrical pictures a year, and establishing a dedicated MGM sales force in partnership with Fox Video, the next logical step is to expand our worldwide television distribution operation to meet our increased activity and product flow,” said Sloan in announcing the division’s restructuring. “Further, the international market for TV product has never been healthier and MGM continues to be an active and extremely competitive player in the marketplace.”
    Sands added: “As aggressive and smart competitors, the reorganization of our worldwide television distribution operation is simply one way of maximizing the assets in our library and positions us for future growth in the marketplace. Jim Packer has already made significant contributions during his tenure at MGM and we are pleased he will be leading us to even bigger growth opportunities in his new role as President of the group.”

    “After spending the last six years here at MGM, I truly understand the value of this tremendous library,” said Packer. “Having been given the challenge of increasing our market presence, I could not be more enthused about the expansion of our worldwide distribution team. With ‘Casino Royale,’ ‘Rocky Balboa’ and our new slate of premiere movie titles, our expanded distribution presence comes at the ideal time.”

    Adding fuel to its distribution pipeline, MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will handle the international television sales for “Casino Royale” the new James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig, and “Rocky Balboa,” the sixth and final Rocky movie starring Sylvester Stallone. Leveraging proven properties within the massive MGM library, the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will launch a worldwide sales campaign for the following movies: Legally Blonde 3, Cutting Edge 3
    Into the Blue 2, WarGames 2 and Species 4.

    In addition to its new program offerings, the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will continue to handle distribution of over 4,000 movie titles and 10,000 television series that make up the MGM library, the world’s largest modern filmed and television library. Among the key television properties featured in the MGM catalogue are “Stargate SG-1,” the sci-fi series that is celebrating its record-setting 200th episode on the Sci-Fi Channel, and the immensely popular drama series “The L Word,” which airs on Showtime in the US, the release adds.

    With the announcement of the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group restructuring, MGM has also announced key promotions within the group. Joe Patrick has been promoted to executive vice president, North America. He previously served as senior VP for the studio and is based in Los Angeles. Mary Ann Pasante, who has been the VP of Latin America Sales, has also been promoted to senior VP of Latin America Sales and will continue to be based in Atlanta.

    Packer, who joined MGM in 2001, initially served as EVP, Domestic TV. In this post, he was the architect of several innovative partnerships, including the MGM/UPN “Weekend Movie” and the PAX/MGM “Night at the Movies.”

    Packer was promoted to EVP of MGM’s Worldwide Television Distribution unit in April 2005, charged with oversight of the studio’s worldwide TV distribution activities, including the licensing of MGM programming to TV outlets around the world for free to air network television, basic and pay cable. Packer will continue to be based at the studio’s headquarters in Los Angeles.

    Before joining MGM, Packer was an executive with The Walt Disney Company, where he spent 15 years working within the Buena Vista Domestic Television Distribution unit. During his tenure at Buena Vista, Packer consistently increased his areas of responsibility, handling the distribution of off-network product, theatrical films and first run series, including such properties as “Home Improvement,” “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” and “The Golden Girls,” as well as numerous movie packages. Packer, a graduate of Leeds Business School at the University of Colorado at Boulder, also serves on the Board of Governors for the Museum of Television & Radio.

  • Perry Stahman appointed MGM president, domestic theatrical marketing

    Perry Stahman appointed MGM president, domestic theatrical marketing

    MUMBAI: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) has named Perry Stahman as president, Domestic Theatrical Marketing.

    Stahman will report directly to MGM COO Rick Sands. Stahman is a seasoned marketing executive who brings extensive experience from 20th Century Fox, Miramax Films, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Sony Pictures to the newly created position.

    Stahman takes on the responsibility for supervising all theatrical marketing activities for MGM’s theatrical distribution unit, unveiled as part of MGM’s revitalization strategy in March. The release of several high profile films this year will kick off MGM’s domestic theatrical distribution business in North America, states an official release.’

    Chairman and CEO Harry E. Sloan said, “As part of the marketing team which released Hannibal, Legally Blonde, Barbershop and Heartbreakers, just to name a few, we are delighted to welcome Perry back into the MGM family. Perry’s experience, both in terms of the roster of studios where he has worked and the number of marketing successes he has achieved, will be of tremendous benefit as MGM readies for this new chapter in studio history. We are thrilled to have an executive of Perry’s caliber on our team and leading the marketing efforts for our new slate of films. ”

    MGM COO Rick Sands added: “Marketing is an extremely important function for any studio and we are confident that Perry has the skill, talent and knowledge to make our films big hits with audiences. Having overseen the marketing for a number of high profile films, Perry’s extensive experience encompasses a wide spectrum of film genres and styles as well as different studio environments, which will be a great asset in marketing our well rounded slate of new theatrical releases. I am pleased to welcome him to MGM.”

    “I am excited to be an integral part of MGM’s groundbreaking effort to craft a new model for theatrical distribution, breaking from the bounds of the traditional studio system. I’m energized by the opportunity and look forward to helping MGM establish a fresh and effective new approach to film marketing,”said Stahman.

    Stahman comes from MGM from 20th Century Fox in Los Angeles, where he served as SVP, Creative Advertising since 2004. During his tenure at Fox, Stahman worked on the release of such films as Fantastic Four, Big Momma’s House 2, Transporter 2, Family Stone and Date Movie. Prior to this, Stahman served as SVP, Creative Advertising at Miramax Films. Joining Miramax in June 2002, Stahman created campaigns for Chicago, Kill Bill Volume 1 & 2, Hero and Gangs of New York.

    In February 1997, Stahman joined Sony Pictures as manager, Creative Advertising and worked on Men In Black,Air Force One, As Good As It Gets, Stepmom and The Mask of Zorro. Three years later, he joined Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as vice president, Creative Advertising.

  • MGM to launch new media division

    MGM to launch new media division

    MUMBAI: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) has launched a new media division. Douglas A. Lee will oversee the new unit as executive VP.

    Lee will oversee MGM’s digital distribution strategy. He will also spearhead the studio’s broadband and wireless efforts and shepherd new digital media growth.

    MGM chairman, CEO Harry E. Sloan said, “MGM will be making significant moves in terms of new platforms, ranging from TV and the Internet to wireless, mobile and more. Doug has a wealth of senior management experience culled from several major media companies including Fox, HBO and Universal. This and his proven track record in new media will be a great benefit and addition to MGM’s already outstanding team. I am thrilled to have him at the helm as we capitalise on the myriad opportunities in the digital space.”

    MGM COO Rick Sands says, “Doug is an expert at navigating the new media space and identifying key opportunities. He will also be working closely with our strategic partner, Sony Corporation of America, which is at the forefront of Blu-ray and major electronic and digital initiatives.”

    Lee says, “There are numerous opportunities to grow and extend the MGM brand in the new media age. We will look to mine the library for new opportunities and also create new productions and initiatives for the plethora of new media opportunities that currently exist, as well as plan for new and emerging possibilities.”

    With over 20 years experience as a senior executive in the global entertainment business, Lee’s career highlights include the launch of HD Cinema 10 for Voom, the creation of Noggin, the first educational children’s network and a joint venture between Sesame Workshop and Nickelodeon; a founder of Crime, a broadband platform that was sold to USA Cable; and he was instrumental in spearheading News Corp.’s acquisition of Star-TV.