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MUMBAI:
In recognition of the evolution and significance of the international
film market, Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is creating
an International Motion Picture Production department, to
be jointly led by Gareth Wigan and Deborah Schindler.
Schindler
has been promoted to president of the new division and will
join Wigan in running it. Wigan, who is vice-chairman of the
Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, has been chiefly responsible
for building the studio's local language business over the
past 10 years.
Schindler
is the former head of Red Om Films and was Julia Roberts'
producing partner. Her producing credits include Maid in
Manhattan, Mona Lisa Smile, How Stella Got Her
Groove Back and Waiting to Exhale. Since 2005,
she has run the East Coast motion picture production and development
operation for Columbia Pictures.
SPE
says that it is the only major studio to maintain stand-alone,
local language production units throughout Europe, Asia and
Latin America, and it has helped bring such hits as Crouching
Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Snatch and Kung Fu Hustle
among others, to the global market.
Wigan
and Schindler will be closely involved with the studio's recently
announced film ventures in India and Russia. The new department
will solidify and expand upon the studio's international production
initiatives. SPE is currently active in motion picture production
in China, Spain, France and Mexico.
Sony
pictures co-chairman Amy Pascal says, "Under Gareth's
leadership, we have made great strides in building relationships
with filmmakers around the world and in producing and releasing
terrific movies on several continents .
"And
Deb and I have known each other since we both started working
in Hollywood more than twenty years ago, so I'm thrilled we'll
be working together on movie-making in the international market.
As a global company, this move reflects our commitment to
artists and filmmakers who are telling stories in their own
language for audiences in their own countries as well as around
the world."
SPE
chairman and CEO Michael Lynton "With the maturation
of this business, Gareth asked Deb to join him and help us
take our international movie production to the next level.
Making more films in other countries is clearly consistent
with our financial and artistic goals over the next several
years."
Wigan
says, "I am delighted that Deb Schindler has agreed to
join me to head up this new department. Deb's experience and
record of working with renowned filmmakers and discovering
talent will be invaluable as we grow this business. From Europe
to Asia to Latin America, I have spent a great deal of time
with film makers over the past several years. The expansion
is phenomenal and I am excited to have a partner who loves
international cinema as much as I do."
Schindler
says, "We are entering a new age of movie-making in many
parts of the world, and Sony Pictures' leadership in this
arena puts us in the middle of this very exciting field. I
look forward to working with Michael, Amy, Gareth and everyone
at Columbia Pictures to help bring great new pictures to audiences
around the world." Wigan and Schindler will report to
Lynton and Pascal.
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