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Feature

Future leaders in sales and acquisitions

t is to those buyers and sellers working sons or daughters learning the trade of will do another focus at another market. in the trenches at Cannes that Screen the family business, or youngsters who The idea was not to offend or exclude, but Iturned as inspiration for its special have lucked into the acquisitions game. to shine a light on the highly skilled and May 2012 feature. The notion was not to We decided to focus on 50 of these often uncredited base of young talent in address the CEOs, managing directors or “future leaders”, but this is not some pro- the independent world. veterans known by everyone and quoted vocative power list, nor were the subjects A word on some of the criteria. Age is by Screen during every market. This time selected by a spurious scientific process. not the principal measure of inclusion we wanted to shine a light on the next We contacted company chiefs and cur- here, but rather years spent in a particu- generation of leaders in this small but rent leaders in the field, asking who they lar discipline. Emil Elmer has only just crucial piece of the financing and distri- thought was on the up and up. Sellers started in sales, having spent years in bution puzzle — the younger executives selected their own staff, young buyers acquisitions; Peter Kujawski has just who take the meetings, mill around the that impressed them and other young switched from sales to acquisitions; screenings and often close the deals. sales executives. Buyers selected young Laird Adamson had a background in pro- The business of independent distribu- sales, marketing and business affairs duction before sales. We are not celebrat- tion and international sales is an uncon- execs, some of their own staff or buyers in ing youth so much as the journeys of ventional, sometimes mysterious one. other territories whose performance they these executives towards becoming lead- Unlike -making, there are few courses rate. As in the film business in general, ers in their respective fields under differ- you can attend to learn the ropes or get a this list was put together based on the ent mentors and territorial influences. foot in the door. Most sellers have worked unscientific methods of word of mouth, We at Screen hope you enjoy reading hard getting to know the buyers, film- good experiences and strong reputations. the backgrounds and comments of our makers and deal structures over several Many names came up over and over 50 Future Leaders In Sales & Acquisi- years under the mentorship of their first again, so I’m sure we have captured some tions as much as we did. Here’s to the or second bosses. Buyers owe the same incredible talent in this feature. No doubt next 50. debt to their mentors, whether they be we’ve missed others, in which case we Mike Goodridge, editor

n 6 at Cannes May XX, 2012 Feature

KEY Age: S SELLERBB UYER Beattie Henry Henry Adamson a L ird

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36 B L aird Adamson The expansion of partnerships with digital Head of international sales distribution platforms is also very (US) significant.”

■ Attended The Wharton School, University Jeremy Baxter Henry Beattie D ori Begley of Pennsylvania, and Amherst College Head of acquisitions Acquisitions manager worldwide Senior vice-president of acquisitions (Economics). Protagonist Pictures (UK) /Alliance (UK) Magnolia Pictures (US) ■ Started out interning for Merchant Ivory and . ■ Studied film and literature at Warwick ■ Studied French and Italian at Oxford ■ Began at Pictures Classics in 2000, as ■ First job was with International, University. University. manager of acquisitions, working on titles then worked in production with . ■ Started in acquisitions with ■ In 2006, joined New Line’s from directors such as Pedro Almodovar, ■ Joined HDNet Films in 2006 and moved to in 2005. acquisitions and development office. , Spike Lee and Robert international sales in sister company ■ Served as worldwide acquisitions manager ■ In 2008, joined Momentum Pictures and Altman. Magnolia Pictures in 2007 where he has at Universal Pictures International from 2006. was promoted to acquisitions manager in ■ After a stint as associate programmer for represented films from directors such as ■ Joined Protagonist Pictures in 2008. early 2011. Responsible for bringing in titles the 2007 , she joined Brian De Palma, and Hal “My initial route into film was as a script including The Raid, Headhunters, Trollhunter Magnolia Pictures where she is senior Hartley. reader and via post-production, which pro- and George Lucas’ . vice-president of acquisitions. “I was very fortunate in that my first job was vided a good overview of the industry and “As an obsessive film fan, I knew I had to try “Reflecting on the changing independent at Miramax, with one of the most interesting insights into the challenges films face as they and get a foothold in the industry after grad- distribution landscape drives home how teams in international distribution, and that leave the creative realm and enter the market. uating. I was lucky to land an internship at fortunate I am to have spent the bulk of my second was with one of the savviest and “An internship at Focus helped me New Line despite having no knowledge of my career with two very distinct industry most internationally attuned producers progress with the acquisitions team at Uni- the business and no contacts. leaders. working today. It was a great foundation, versal where I first worked with Ben Roberts. “I have to acknowledge Alexandra Rossi “At the start, there was no better place for one that informed and, in Christine Vachon’s Ben has been an incredible guide and men- who taught me all the basics, and then at fundamental education than case, really nurtured my interest in the inter- tor — it will be fantastic to watch what he Momentum Robert Walak who has been a Classics — learning about the business in national marketplace. achieves heading the BFI Film Fund. fantastic mentor in terms of my next steps. I that unique universe rivals the most robust “Now at Magnolia, Eamonn Bowles, “At Protagonist I enjoy working across a really enjoy the search for exciting projects graduate film programmes. Years later, and have created broad range of speciality, genre and commer- and the chance to help film-makers’ visions joining Magnolia sharply expanded that a tremendously innovative and inspiring cial projects, and the excitement of launching reach audiences. I’d love to work even more education. While bloated production budg- environment. It is about always looking for a emerging talent. The aim has to be ensuring closely with talent, either within distribution ets, irresponsible p&a spends and box-office better approach and embracing new ideas. films reach the right audiences, and with the or moving more actively into production. misfires left the industry littered with failed “Moving forward I expect to work closely advancement of digital it’s more important “It’s a tricky time for distributors, given distribution companies, the team at Magno- with all rights distributors on alternative than ever for film-makers to form strong the technological advances impacting the lia worked tirelessly on an innovative, release strategies which cater to the sales and distribution partnerships in order industry, but if you have good taste and the hybrid releasing strategy to help fix the bro- evolving and unique needs of each territory. to stand out from the crowd.” right films, there will be an audience.” ken model.

n 8 Screen International at Cannes May XX, 2012 Feature Bermann Baxter Jeremy Jeremy t S ephanie

29 B 31 S Comte Buckley Yohann Yohann Jason Jason

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“It is immensely gratifying to continue Jason Buckley diversified audiences. Even though several nection with the directors, so I guess the growing with a company that remains com- Director of international sales economies have weakened, others have natural step in two or three years is produc- mitted to traditional distribution while pio- (US) strengthened and the fact remains the same tion... but right now I’m enjoying being in neering the most demonstrably successful — people love to be entertained.” the right place at the right time.” model for a growing on-demand, digital ■ Graduated from Bowling Green State world.” University, Ohio, with a bachelor of arts and Yohann Comte Christine D’Souza sciences in film studies and film production. Deputy head of sales Vice-president content sales and S tephanie Bermann ■ Joined Lakeshore Entertainment in 2006 Gaumont (Fr) project finance Head of acquisitions and began working for the president of Preferred Content (US) Mars Films (Fr) worldwide marketing and distribution in 2007. ■ Started at Gaumont as financial controller. ■ Moved to Lakeshore’s sales department in ■ Moved into sales at ARP Selection, followed ■ Graduated from the University of Arizona in ■ Joined StudioCanal (France) as junior third quarter of 2007. by four years as head of international sales at 2006. acquisitions manager in 2006. “I began my career as an assistant in mar- Roissy Film and a further one-and-a-half years ■ Started as an intern at Jerry Bruckheimer ■ Became head of acquisitions at Mars Films keting and distribution. Over time my inter- at EuropaCorp when it bought Roissy. Films and became an assistant at Paradigm in 2007. ests steered me towards foreign sales. I’ve ■ Returned to Gaumont as deputy head of Talent Agency. “I have always been fascinated by cinema. been privileged to work with talented execu- sales in late 2010. ■ Started in international sales at Katapult Every time the lights turn off in the movie tives like Jonathan Deckter who have chal- “There are several people I’ve learned from Film Sales, the LA-based outfit owned by Joni theatre, it’s the same magic. I was very lucky lenged me at every turn and left lasting or I owe a lot to: Laurent Pétin for taking the Sighvatsson and Jeff Levy-Hinte, moved on to to join the Mars team back in 2007 when impressions on how I conduct myself on a risk of hiring a newbie and making me become manager of international sales at T&C they were starting off as an independent professional level. Above all, Elisabeth Costa insensitive to yelling, Raphael Berdugo for Pictures handling films such as Black company. Mars chairman Stéphane Célérier de Beauregard’s passion for the industry has teaching me how to do business with ele- Dynamite and Teenage Paparazzo. is very passionate about films and has a made me strive to become more instrumen- gance, the EuropaCorp family for the inherit- ■ Joined Preferred Content to handle great energy. It is fun and stimulating to tal to the development and financing of ance of a certain international marketing acquisition, sales and financing of the project work for such a dynamic company. My quality entertainment. sense. I also want to thank my dear Cécile slate; also served as US-based acquisitions ambition is to work with talented directors, “The industry is ever-changing, and in Gaget, for showing me the importance of consultant for Icon Entertainment Interna- and moreover to discover a new generation many markets the demand for their domes- being close to the talent we defend, in order tional in 2011. of great film-makers. tic films is larger than ever before. As the to fuel our pitch and energy. “Growing up I was fascinated by the film “The marketplace is really picking up, global marketplace continues to become “Our job leads me to be involved in co- industry. As sales co-ordinator at Katapult and as an independent company we have more competitive, we must produce, market productions, being creative in finding Films I learned the indie film financing and access to terrific material.” and distribute content that caters to more sources of financing, being in constant con- international sales process and was hooked.

n 10 Screen International at Cannes February XX, 2012 Feature D’Souza Christian Christian De Gallegos De Christine Christine 30 S

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“Over the years I’ve had meaningful guid- ish. Weighing budget and material with sup- I had the good fortune to work for a year. LoveFilm are becoming active in the UK. It’s ance from producer Joni Sighvatsson and ply and demand will be key to a prosperous “Right now, I’m excited by the prospect of crucial to know your product, talent, buyers indie sales guru Kevin Iwashina. Independ- future in our field.” on-demand as a platform that could increase and observe what’s working and what’s not. ent film continues to towards efficient the breadth of films publicly available to a It’s a very exciting time at Focus with Moon- distribution models allowing more lucrative Jeff Deutchman point never seen before, if we all play our rise Kingdom opening the Cannes Film Fes- opportunities for talented film-makers out- Director of acquisitions cards right. An ambition of mine is to be tival and the company celebrating its tenth side the studio system. It gives me joy to con- IFC Films/Sundance Selects (US) involved with the effort to overcome any hur- anniversary.” nect filmed entertainment to the markets dles in the way of that cinephile dream.” and audiences that most appreciate it.” ■ Graduate of Northwestern University in film Clay Epstein history and theory. E mil Elmer Vice-president of sales and Christian De Gallegos ■ Started in distribution for Samuel Goldwyn Senior vice-president of acquisitions Director of international sales Films and then the marketing department at international sales Arclight Films (US) (US) IFC Films. Focus Features (US) ■ As director of acquisitions for Sundance ■ Graduated from Cal State Northridge Film ■ Earned a degree in international business Selects/IFC Films, he has discovered and ■ Began at Miramax Films, where he spent School in 1999. from the University of Arizona in 2004. acquired films including Cave Of Forgotten over eight years in acquisitions, production, ■ Worked as co-ordinator in international sales ■ Worked in the feature/TV talent and music Dreams, The Art Of The Steal, The marketing and publicity. at Kushner-Locke. departments at Paradigm from 2004-07. Human Centipede, Valhalla Rising and Kill List, ■ Became head of acquisitions for Pathé ■ In 2003, joined First Look Media as director ■ Joined Voltage Pictures in 2008 in and indie breakthroughs Medicine For Distribution, where he tracked projects of operations . International Film & TV Distribution. Melancholy, Cold Weather and Weekend. worldwide for distribution in the UK. Was a ■ Worked at the Little Film Company as VP of “Starting in the agency world gave me an ■ He was also director and producer of full-time consultant for a film financing sales acquisitions from 2006. overview of the entertainment industry and documentary 11/4/08 — a vérité collage of company, working on projects from the ■ Two-term board member of IFTA from 2008 it was where I discovered foreign sales, footage shot worldwide on the day Barack production phase through the world sales up to the present. which coming from an international back- Obama was elected. The film had its world process. ■ From 2010, served as an instructor at New ground, was an exciting fit. premiere at the 2010 SXSW Film Festival. “I’ve been fortunate to gain valuable experi- York Film Academy. “I was soon fortunate to work alongside “I got into this business because I love eve- ence at Miramax, where I spent enough time “Kushner-Locke was my graduate school, and Nadine de Barros in rything about movies, from their ability to to see how the company operated, and at exposing me to the real world while prepar- Voltage’s early days, sharing the success of make ghosts out of mortals to their power Pathé being part of the team that helped ing me for First Look Media and meeting the past few years, from action movies to to shape ideas on a massive scale. My own greenlight . Robbie Little for the first time. Knowing I Oscars. It has inspired me to strive towards ideas about film have been shaped by “I spent a significant amount of time in had studied in Italy, he asked in Italian who my goal of strengthening partnerships and extremely generous mentors, including [my acquisitions and thinking like a buyer, so I my favourite soccer team was. When I relationships, while pushing to elevate con- father] Ira Deutchman, who taught me how think I have a unique perspective now that I replied in Italian, he looked at Liz Mackie- tent for the global marketplace. to ride a bike among other things; Will have joined the other side. wicz and said, ‘Well, he can speak Italian, “With the distribution landscape chang- Schmenner who curated my college art- “The industry is coming out of a lull and how bad can he be?’ I treasure his advice: ing, there is potential for emerging markets house; Ryan Werner, Arianna Bocco, while there are still a few distressed territo- ‘Stick to doing business with like-minded, to power our financing models, creating Jonathan Sehring and John Vanco from ries, things are beginning to even out with trustworthy people… or try to.’ Reputation opportunities for the right projects to flour- IFC; and the late Bingham Ray with whom VoD — for example players like and and good taste is his trademark and he’s

n 12 Screen International at Cannes February XX, 2012 Feature Ferrier Epstein i Erer A lsa Clay Clay a T ra

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37 S Greenstein Garza Cristina Cristina Jeffrey Jeffrey

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passed that down to me. the forefront of that encouragement — he is sales and distribution to the financing of “I worked at Curzon Cinemas during my “The industry is truly international now, generous with advice and is a treasured independent films. final years at university and decided after and Arclight is perfectly positioned for this. friend. Beyond the intricacies of ‘the deal’, “Glen Basner has been my mentor since that to get into distribution — mainly due to Success is survival of the fittest. The fittest he taught me a great reputation is the ulti- day one. When FilmNation launched in the slightly naive and romantic notion I had are films made for the right price that audi- mate reward for success. 2008, Glen immediately adapted to the way of the Artificial Eye company, which merged ences want to see; conventional yet cloaked “As the business has changed, it is vital to he saw the future of the business and Film- with the Curzon Group around the same in freshness. Raising money is key and an art stay realistic. As distributors become increas- Nation has since grown to become one of the time. form often more creative than the film itself. ingly selective, there is no room for error. leading international distribution and pro- “I moved into acquisitions when Louisa I want to collaborate with film-makers Film-makers must deliver the right genre duction companies. [Dent] joined the company. I can safely say worldwide to bring movies to the market- with the right cast in order to stay in the “Independent films have a much larger that anything I know about acquisitions place that distributors will jump up and game. I look forward to playing an important arena than they did five years ago. Producers comes from Louisa, and what I know about down about… all in good taste, of course.” role in the continued growth of Lightning to are now more creative in putting films programming I know solely because of Jason become the ‘go to’ company.” together, which allows for companies like Wood. The beauty of the lies in Mathilde Epstein FilmNation to board projects that would’ve its volatile nature and fluidity, and I feel that Vice-president of international sales T ara Erer been lost in the studio system. more than ever now I am acquiring and pro- Lightning Entertainment (US) Vice-president of international sales “Although I’ve adapted my goals and gramming the Curzon On Demand site. FilmNation (US) ambitions, the desire to work with film-mak- “What the company I work for is doing is ■ Studied international business at the ers such as Almodovar, Malick and Soder- genuinely innovative, and yet true to what European Business School. ■ Graduated from Columbia University with a bergh has remained consistent and I’m both Curzon Cinemas and Artificial Eye has ■ Following graduation moved to degree in film studies and creative writing in extremely fortunate to work on their films always represented. I have a strong sense of in October 2001 and found work in marketing 2007. every day.” responsibility towards that history, as well as at a law firm. ■ Interned at Tribeca Productions, The staying at the forefront of the uncharted dis- ■ Became director of international sales & Hollywood Reporter, Esperanto Filmoj, The A ilsa Ferrier tribution landscape of VoD, whose future marketing at Hannibal Pictures in 2003. Weinstein Company. Content and acquisitions manager path is still very much up for debate.” ■ In July 2006 moved to Lightning ■ Started as Glen Basner’s assistant, then Curzon On Demand Curzon Entertainment as international sales director, became head of international at The Weinstein Artificial Eye (UK) Kristen Figeroid then promoted in 2009 to VP. Company in 2007. Senior vice-president of sales “I was offered an interview at Hannibal Pic- ■ Moved over to FilmNation when it was ■ Completed a BA in fine art sculpture from Sierra / Affinity (US) tures, arranged through a mutual acquaint- launched in 2008 as sales co-ordinator; 2002-06. ance. Two years later I took an opportunity at became director of international sales in 2010; ■ Worked in various roles within Curzon ■ Started at in 1998 where Lightning Entertainment. Working in an became VP of international sales in 2012. Cinemas. she worked for four years and was post- environment that encourages growth and “Growing up in Turkey and studying film at ■ In 2008, became acquisitions executive at production supervisor for City By The Sea. rewards ambition has inspired me to work Columbia, I was always fascinated by the Artificial Eye. ■. Subsequently Figeroid held the titles of VP successfully with a team of valued colleagues. creative side and the film-making process. ■ Joined Curzon as content and acquisitions of international for Media 8 Entertainment and “I thank Richard Guardian for being at However, I quickly learned the importance of manager in June 2011. director of international for Mainline Releasing

n 14 Screen International at Cannes February XX, 2012 Feature Figeroid Epstein Kristen Kristen Mathilde Mathilde

32 S 34 S Gray Peter Peter Kujawski Calum Calum

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and Lightning Entertainment. production and distribution company founded ■ Has sold worldwide three Sundance- magazine, was the catalyst for his transition to ■ Moved to The Film Department where she in 2005 by Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna and winning docs, Paris Je T’Aime, We Need To Talk the film business. was VP of international. Pablo Cruz. About Kevin, Exit Through The Gift Shop and “Working with Avi [Lerner], Danny [Dim- ■ Joined Sierra / Affinity in 2010. As SVP, “My interest turned from economics to film many other award-winning films. bort] and John Fremes, I have received the Figeroid handles half the world for Sierra / when I started producing Tisch student “I started in TV but always felt more aligned ultimate crash course in the business of mak- Affinity’s sales, and oversees the company’s shorts during my undergraduate years at with features. After an internship at Content- ing movies from the industry’s best. Their distribution in those territories. She also brings NYU. I loved everything about being on the Film, I landed an assistant role with Thierry phenomenal mentoring has taught me that in projects for sales, and evaluates finished other side of the camera. Wase-Bailey at Celsius. Thierry taught me films are investments and the key is mitigat- projects for acquisitions. “During my senior year I interned at This the nuts and bolts of the business and is a ing risk through better scripts, directors and “I was essentially raised by HBO and I Is That with the ever-supportive great mentor. Likewise Tim Sparke at Mer- cast, ultimately producing movies that excite always wanted to be involved with movies. I and later at Focus Features in international cury Media who gave me a granular insight and entertain worldwide.” dabbled in every bit of the industry before sales for my now good friend and colleague into the international TV market. finding my passion in international sales, Ryan Kampe. I’ve had the support of Marie “My ambition is to become the best sales L isa Gutberlet which shouldn’t have been a surprise consid- Therese Guirgis, Sandro Fiorin and many agent I can be. That means listening and Senior vice-president of distribution ering my dad and grandfather were in sales. others thereafter. understanding buyers’ needs but also hav- Myriad Pictures (US) I love the element of risk involved in this “Every job for me has been built upon the ing a strong commitment to bringing qual- industry — it is like no other business, for past one. I like reaching for a better under- ity to the market. It’s inspiring to work with ■ Gutberlet was born and raised in Heidelberg, better and worse. I am a movie lover first and standing of how this big thing works and Luc [Roeg], Andrew [Orr] and the many Germany. foremost, and feel grateful for being able to inventing ways to have fun with it. Every ter- talented executives at Independent, since ■ Fluent in German, French and English, she spend every day talking about and being a ritory, window, market, presents a new chal- that is the credo they live by. attended the European Business School in part of film.” lenge and new opportunities for growth, “I see the advent of 4G as a force that will Germany and France where she received her experimentation and ingenuity. I don’t see liberate the mobile window and counterbal- MA in business administration. Cristina Garza the death of cinema, distribution or the art- ance dwindling DVD numbers. Last year’s ■ Before moving to Los Angeles in 2005, she Head of distribution house, I see reinvention and a new genera- annus mirabilis for independents proved worked at the World Bank in Washington DC Canana (Mex) tion of creativity.” that daring films can enjoy robust returns.” and was an account manager for Turner Broadcasting System International in ■ Graduated from NYU in 2006 with a BA in Calum Gray Jeffrey Greenstein Frankfurt. economics, three minors (including film Sales and marketing executive Vice-president of international sales ■ Her first job in the film business was at The production) and a certificate in entertainment Independent (UK) and distribution Weinstein Company, where she worked for two media management. Nu Image / Millennium Films (US) years in the business affairs department. ■ Co-founded FilmCatcher.com, an online film ■ Worked in production before ■ She joined Myriad Pictures as director of distributor, video magazine and social moving into features with his first break at ■ Studied marketing and sales at the sales and administration in 2007, and was platform at the age of 23. ContentFilm working under Jamie Carmichael. University of Central Florida. recently promoted to SVP of distribution, to ■ Served as manager of international sales at ■ Trained under Thierry Wase-Bailey at ■ Was an assistant trainer for troubled oversee Myriad’s distribution activities across FiGa Films in the US. Celsius Entertainment. teenagers at the Anthony Robbins Foundation. all platforms. ■ Appointed US delegate for Critics’ Week at ■ Was head of sales and acquisitions at ■ An avid entrepreneur who founded a carpet ■ In 2011 Gutberlet oversaw the international Cannes. This will be her third year with the documentary company Mercury Media where cleaning company at 19 years old, he has distribution of the worldwide hit Margin Call. Semaine. he handled a catalogue of more than 100 docs. started and invested in several other ventures. “When I took a big chance and moved to ■ Head of distribution at Canana, an indie ■ Moved to Independent in 2011. One such start-up, a professional development Los Angeles on a whim, I was a European

n 16 Screen International at Cannes February XX, 2012 Feature Kuti Handelsman f Or Or A olabi

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girl with a finance background and a huge passion for movies. I wasn’t sure how my skillset fitted into Hollywood, but I was lucky to learn from some of the best minds Kim 30 S at which prepared me for the terrific opportunity of working with Kirk D’Amico at Myriad Pictures. “It’s an exciting and challenging time to work in the independent sector. Financing and selling films during the 2008 crash

made me realise we have to be creative Cynthia throughout the entire process: finding relevant material with a hook international markets respond to, and finding innovative ways to market and distribute, so that wonderful, relevant films like Margin Call 33 S can find their way to the screen.” Korsgaard Or Handelsman Head of business affairs 6 Sales (Sp)

■ Earned a BA in media from Australia’s Nicolai Nicolai Macquarie University in 2007, majoring in screen production.

■ Completed the MEDIA Business School’s Leupin MEGA PLUS European master of audiovisual management in 2009. ■ Interned at Spain’s Morena Films during its release of Daniel Monzon’s Goya-winning film Cell 211 and production of Iciar Bollain’s Even

The Rain. Florian ■ Worked at KanZaman as development co-ordinator under producers Denis O’Dell and Mark Albela. ■ Joined Marina Fuentes at 6 Sales in 30 S November 2011. “Attending MEGA PLUS was what really 29 B got my foot in the door. It was a great induc- tion into the business and introduced me to people who have been extremely generous with their knowledge and experience and inherently has an opportunity, and you have Stovitz, Motion Picture Literary Department. ment and joined CAA. It was a great move who became great colleagues, peers and to roll with the punches. My ambition is to ■ Assistant to Bruna Papandrea, president of and since then each opportunity has showed mentors. From there it was a matter of seiz- keep on rolling.” production, at Groundswell Productions in me a different facet of the industry from ing the opportunities as they arose, which 2007. Production assistant on films including working with film-makers to international led me to sales. Cynthia Kim Smart People and The Visitor. distribution. “In sales you’re involved with projects at International sales executive ■ International sales co-ordinator at “I’ve been blessed to work with seasoned all stages, from paper to third cycle, so Exclusive Media (US) (2008-10). and well-respected executives including the you’re exposed to trends and changes in ■ Joined Exclusive Media in May 2010 incomparable Alex Walton, who I’ve worked consumption as well as production. For ■ Started out as an investment banking overseeing sales for Asia, Turkey, , with since Paramount Vantage. He is a stal- example the cuts in Spanish subsidies, analyst at Credit Suisse First Boston. Portugal and Iceland. wart supporter of his team and is enor- which potentially mean fewer films for ■ Became director of corporate development ■ Plays an active role in securing third-party mously well respected not only in the agents to sell due to a drop in production at Sony Pictures involved in strategic planning film acquisitions. international space but also with producers, levels, also mean agents will be called upon and business development activities across “I’ve always loved and tel- film-makers and financiers. I’ve always to bridge the gap through international multiple business lines. evision, so in 2006 I decided to make a career admired how calm and sharp he remains sales. I love that dynamic. Every challenge ■ Joined CAA in 2006 as assistant to Ken switch from finance and business develop- under pressure.

n 18 Screen International at Cannes February XX, 2012 Feature Gutberlet i Matits L sa Martin de Blas de Martin r l A anka E isa 34 S 36B

“My immediate ambitions are to play a pivotal role in the distribution and marketing 35 B of entertainment on the different emerging

platforms, which are currently transforming n the traditional business model in dynamic A na foreign territories like Russia, Latin America, Marsh China and India. It’s very exciting.” Grisoni is currently burdened with the Nicolai Korsgaard majority of the responsibility. Sales manager “Working in the industry is more of a mar- TrustNordisk (Den) 33 S athon than a sprint. I hope to make it to the end successfully having worked on films that ■ Worked as PR and marketing co-ordinator I enjoy being part of and hopefully will have at Trust Film Sales from 2003 until 2006. a chance to head up my own outfit. ■ Moved to Nordisk Film International Sales in “There’s grumbling about how tough the 2006 as PR and marketing manager. industry is at the moment, and it is. But it’s ■ In 2008 became sales manager at great to see the business and creative folk TrustNordisk ApS. working more closely together to create films “When I started working for Zentropa I that can find an audience. There’s nothing thought I was going to be a producer, but I like a good storm to bring people closer to quickly learned that sales and marketing was their neighbour... no matter how ugly they the right way for me. are.” “I have met and worked with great people and many have become close friends. To pick Melissa Melissa Florian Leupin Martinez out a few — Fusun Eriksen introduced me to Head of legal & business affairs the business and taught me the ‘art’ of PR Ascot Elite Entertainment Group (Switz) and marketing; Tine Klint and Susan Wendt have helped me on the sales side, and have ■ Studied social studies at University of Zurich been and still are my mentors. in 2006. “Business today will keep stable, I am 36 S ■ Taking a degree in business administration, sure, especially with the whole digital move- 2009-13. ment that allows films to be seen by more ■ Head of legal and business affairs and people in more ways, not to mention the assistant CEO at Elite Film AG since 2009. Also increasing numbers of paid-for and satellite ■ Moved to Focus parent Universal Pictures as A folabi Kuti in acquisitions since 2010. channels programming foreign titles. I see executive vice-president of worldwide Acquisitions manager “Thanks to my mentors CEO Ralph Dietrich the opportunities along with the obstacles acquisitions in 2011. Salt (UK) and Karin Dietrich, as well as COO Stephan but as long as the production quality stays “I approach acquisitions as someone reared Giger, I have learned everything about the high, there will be a market. The ambition is in the trenches of international sales, so ■ Started out working for Sundance and the industry. When they recognised my movie to represent that.” evaluating projects on a nuanced territory BFI London Film Festival. knowledge and my eagerness to cover scripts by territory basis is second nature. I’m fortu- ■ Worked for producers and and screen movies, I started getting into Peter Kujawski nate to have spent my time in sales learning Stephen Woolley at Number 9 Films. acquisitions and began to accompany them E xecutive vice-president from supremely smart and passionate peo- ■ While at Number 9, Kuti was selected for the to international markets. worldwide acquisitions ple like , , National Film & TV School Compass Point “What I’ve noticed at markets in recent Universal Pictures (US) Andrew Karpen and Alison Thompson, so programme, funded by Skillset. years is that business is accelerating in terms the primary focus was always on the films ■ Joined Samantha Horley’s Salt team as its of pace and numbers of products being ■ Began his career as assistant to Good and the film-makers. acquisitions manager in February 2011. offered as well as digital distribution — aka Machine co-founder and co-president James “My job was about fighting to make sure “Volunteering for the Sundance Film Festi- VoD/EST — becoming more important, Schamus. the films had the chance to be seen by as val was my first adventure into the film although it is still not a clearly defined and ■ When was absorbed into many people as possible. Now I sit on the world. There’s nothing that says, ‘Welcome tangible market. Since worldwide consump- Focus Features in 2002, he joined Focus as other side of the table as a buyer, the impulses to the film industry’ more than a snowball in tion is decreasing, everyone is getting nerv- director of international sales. Later named are still the same — aligning film-makers your face. ous. But it may also be a chance to redefine executive vice-president of international sales; with one of the most powerful distribution “I have many mentors working in differ- the movie business: allowing it to be more sales credits included Volver, Eternal Sunshine apparatuses in the world in a way that is, ent fields within the industry who I beg, bor- independent, more creative and active, creat- Of The Spotless Mind, Lost In Translation, Milk hopefully, financially beneficial to us and to row and steal advice from; peers and old ing more alternative chances to produce and and The Constant Gardener. them.” wise heads alike. Writer-director Tony distribute movies to the audience.”

n 20 Screen International at Cannes February XX, 2012 Feature Mitjans Yuuki Yuuki Neel

Matsuzawa Camille Camille David David

34 B 30 B 34 S Min Meese Alison Eric Nguyen Jennifer Jennifer

33 S 31 B 27 S

Anna Marsh On Pictures (Grupo Zeta) as head of ■ Promoted to VP in 2008 after touring widely Thema Production on a number of features, Senior vice-president, international acquisition with notable pickups including with first Twilight film. and was involved in executive producing sales Match Point, Hotel Rwanda and The Reader. ■ Key campaigns: The Twilight Saga franchise, Rescue Dawn by Werner Herzog and Goodbye StudioCanal (Fr) ■ Finished an MBA in 2007 and in 2009 ’s The Tree Of Life, Roman Bafana by Bille August among others. switched to international sales and business Polanski’s The Ghost Writer. Helped launch ■ Worked as sales executive for London-based ■ Graduated from University of Otago/HEC development for television at Zed Worldwide, five of the top six independent releases around ThinkFilm International from 2007-08, Paris in 2001. selling and co-producing television formats the world in 2010: Eclipse, Resident Evil: working on films by directors including Derek ■ Became international sales executive, Télé with broadcasters in more than 15 countries. Afterlife (with Sony), The Book Of Eli, Red and Cianfrance, Nigel Cole, Alex de la Iglesia, Images, Paris in 2002. ■ Joined Tripictures in June 2011 as head of Step Up 3D (with Disney). Hector Babenco and Michael Radford. ■ International sales manager, TF1 international and acquired films such as Flight; “Just having returned from my studies in ■ Moved to Pretty Pictures in November 2008. International from 2005. I, Frankenstein; and The Company You Keep. Japan, I applied for a position at a Japanese Acquisitions include The Secret In Their Eyes, ■ In 2008 joined StudioCanal as VP “I am glad I can do a job that combines both distribution company. It was the perfect Winter’s Bone, The Housemaid, Goodbye and international sales, promoted to SVP in 2012. the passion for film and business that I had opportunity not only to work on films but Cannes Competition entry The Hunt. “After a final year internship with animation growing up. As someone said to me once, also to indulge my passion for Japanese “After completing a PhD in German litera- producer Philippe Alessandri, Marie-Laure ‘This is not a business, it’s a way of life.’ while getting paid. Nothing could be better. ture and film, I knew I wanted to be more Montironi took me on as part of the interna- “The challenge I face now is to help grow Assisting the acquisitions and marketing involved in film in a hands-on way and went tional sales team at Télé Images. It was a healthy business in a complicated eco- departments at Gaga, I was introduced to all to work in production and financing. It was thanks to both of their support and belief nomic environment like the Spanish market types of films and how campaigns had to be actually while selling films next that I real- that my dream of working in media in Paris right now. The risk level in this business is altered for local audiences. ised discovering films and sharing them became a reality. high but it can also be very rewarding if you “With my move to Summit, I learned from with audiences is what I really wanted to do. “I see the international market today as are able to combine a solid business model some of the best marketing executives — I was fortunate to meet people who shared volatile, and the business evolving at a ver- with the right innovative material. I think including Nancy Kirkpatrick and Jill Jones my vision and three years later James tiginous speed. New media is at the fore- our main challenge is to adjust our business — how to tailor campaigns for a worldwide Velaise continues to encourage me to factor front of change, and the consumer has and model at all levels, from production to distri- perspective. Information is now so readily a film’s creative merits into my buying deci- will become more demanding than ever in bution, to diversify the revenue sources while available that a campaign has to be thought sions. It’s not always easy to balance eco- the future. As a result, our traditional busi- keeping an eye on the traditional ones and be out on a global level. It was with this nomic demands and passion but inspired ness practices are forever under scrutiny, able to find the material that will attract audi- approach that we were able to achieve huge film-making deserves an audience. Navigat- and the film-maker’s formula is constantly ence interest.” success. I hope to take what I’ve learned and ing the technological innovations in pro- put to the test. continue to streamline the creative process duction and distribution will make for some “It is particularly motivating to work at Stu- Melissa Martinez with our international partners so we can of the most exciting challenges in the years dioCanal for Harold van Lier with whom I Vice-president, international brand our product while still letting them to come.” share an optimistic approach to business marketing & publicity make it their own.” while able to have fun in the process.” (US) Yuuki Matsuzawa Aranka Matits Head of international Elisa Martin de Blas ■ Graduated from UCLA in 1999. Head of acquisitions Parco Co Ltd (Jap) Head of international ■ Studied Japanese at Waseda University, Pretty Pictures (Fr) Tripictures (Sp) Tokyo. ■ March 2000, graduated Chuo University, ■ First job in 2000 supporting the acquisitions ■ Studied literature and art history at bachelor of policy studies. ■ Started in Italy in 2002 overseeing and marketing teams at Gaga America, University College London and earned a PhD in ■ June 2003, graduated University of Arizona, acquisitions for the Italian market and to Gaga Communications in Tokyo. German and film studies at The Graduate MA media arts. international sales at CDI. ■ First international tour in 2003 with Kill Bill. Center of The City University of . ■ October 2003, joined Presidio Corporation ■ Moved back to Spain in 2004 to help set up ■ Joined Summit Entertainment in 2005. ■ Worked with production and finance outfit as senior vice-president.

n 6 Screen International at Cannes May XX, 2012 Feature Sahin Pittana Rozanova Tunc Tunc Mila Ingrid

33 B 30 B Bianca Phillips Obermaier Obermaier Ann

29 B 32 B 26 S

■ June 2010, became head of international at backing talent, identifying an audience and My COO at Aldamisa International, Jere executive and then head of international sales, Parco Co, Ltd. trusting one’s instincts. Hausfater, often tells stories about how a film moved to Le Pacte in early 2011. “Presidio Corporation gave me my very first “Working at StudioCanal provides me that sold for $500,000 today would have “I was introduced by chance to this amazing opportunity. My mentors are Yasutaka with the resources and flexibility to buy mov- sold for three or four times that amount back and addictive job by Silvere Moreau, who Hanada of Presidio, who inspired my profes- ies for a wider audience in conjunction with in the good old days... The times are always has since left this business, and more than sional aspirations with the business values our partners in France and Germany, and yet changing and I’m excited to see the shape of anyone else by Jean Labadie who trusted me he demanded, and Tetsu Negami of The still feel like I could discover and champion a things to come.” at Bac and renewed this trust now at Le Klockworx who has provided me with the new film-making voice each time I travel to a Pacte. There are now many more films avail- motivation and, when needed, the guidance festival. David Mitjans able on the market, which makes choices in starting up and maintaining a foreign film “While cautious of the state of flux in the Head of acquisitions and sales harder but on the other hand, each operation at my current position at Parco. home-entertainment market, I think buyers A Contracorriente Films (Sp) film is a real crush for which I am glad to What we do in terms of acquisitions is in my continue to seek out reasonably priced, fight for for years. It is a real privilege to be mind, still very much territorial and thus original films with strong storytelling, spec- ■ Graduated with degrees in chemistry and on the front line to discover films from all one-dimensional, and ideally, in order to tacle or just something to surprise audi- audiovisual communication. over the world. So even if business is tougher enhance our business, we could be looking ences.” ■ Producer and broadcaster of a radio and has changed a lot in the past few years, I beyond just our lone domestic market.” programme about cinema for Radio Martorell cannot see myself doing another job for the Eric Min for eight years. years to come.” Alison Meese Director of international sales & ■ Acquisitions executive at Notro Films/ Head of UK acquisitions distribution Vertice Cine for four years. Jennifer Nguyen StudioCanal (UK) Aldamisa International (US) ■ Head of acquisitions for A Contracorriente Manager, marketing and operations Films since 2011. Foresight Unlimited (US) ■ Studied French at Leeds University, ■ Graduated from the University of , “I am a lucky guy — my job is my hobby. I left graduated in 2003. Santa Barbara with a degree in film and media. my job as a chemist, and after studying for an ■ Graduate of California State University, Long ■ Joined Optimum Releasing (now ■ Worked in production, development and audiovisual communication degree, Adolfo Beach with a BA in film and electronic arts and StudioCanal) in 2003 as office assistant. distribution before landing a job in sales and Blanco gave me the chance to work in distri- a minor in business entrepreneurship. Promoted to acquisitions assistant in October acquisitions in 2004. bution company Notro Films in Barcelona. ■ Started as a development intern for Bic Tran 2004; to acquisitions manager in May 2007; ■ Joined Aldamisa International as director of “Now, as head of acquisitions at Contra- at Lakeshore Entertainment. and became head of acquisitions in August international sales and distribution when the corriente, I enjoy the relationships and ■ Joined Foresight Unlimited in 2007 as 2011. company first opened its doors in April 2011. friendships with some sellers… and I love to executive assistant to the company’s CEO, ■ Involved in the acquisition of titles including “I love film. I’m passionate about it. As have the opportunity to discover and buy Mark Damon and rose to current position of Gomorrah, Animal Kingdom, Sarah’s Key, Your much as I try to be the shark in a suit, I’m some small jewels such as Monsieur Lazhar, manager, marketing and operations. Sister’s Sister, The Double and Beasts Of The also the long-haired creative type at heart. I and then see how these movies begin to grow “Mark [Damon] has taught me everything I Southern Wild. got into the sales and acquisitions business up, win prizes, become crowd pleasers and know about this business, and there is much “I was fortunate enough to start my career at by blind luck; I sent my resumé to an inter- how they can be a really good business. So, more to learn from him. I aim to one day Optimum Releasing, a young, dynamic com- esting job posting online and a few months quality and business can live together and reach the same level of expertise and success pany already experiencing rapid growth, in later I was an international sales assistant my challenge is to find them.” in the world of film sales and distribution. 2003. Being part of a small team expertly led navigating through the chaos of what was “The industry is always changing and fac- by Will Clarke and Danny Perkins provided my first Cannes. I’ve learned a lot over the Camille Neel ing new challenges as movie market trends me with the perfect environment in which to years and have witnessed how rapidly the Head of international sales and audience tastes evolve. It’s all about tak- learn quickly on my feet and encourage eve- business is changing; buyers change with Le Pacte (Fr) ing the right risks, being more innovative ryday exposure to all aspects of distribution. the times and sellers adapt, but every deal than the next company, and having a little Our acquisitions process has always involved remains a commitment and a partnership. ■ After 10 years at Bac Films as sales foresight. While no-one can predict the

n 8 Screen International at Filmart May XX, 2012 Feature Salas Seifried Seifried Seidelin Antonio Antonio Sophie Christopher 33 B

35 S

future, I want to keep establishing and

implementing innovative strategies, what- Short ever that may be a few years from now.” Bianca Obermaier International acquisitions John StudioCanal (Ger) 27 S ■ Studied film theory in Frankfurt and Paris from 2003-07. 31 S

■ Intern at Starhaus Filmproduktion (formerly Cranna ©Molly Kinowelt) from 2007. ■ Working in acquisitions for StudioCanal (then Kinowelt) since July 2008. “I started out as an intern at Starhaus and derfully rewarding, exciting experience. tions and distribution, I’m still amazed that I ■ Co-produced Russian feature films including there discovered the world of acquisitions. I Working on projects ranging from Tamara feel the same excitement now reading a Playing The Victim (International Rome Film was hooked from the start. Thanks to my Drewe and The Invisible Woman to Footnote script, discussing casting, arguing over mar- Festival winner), Yuri’s Day (Locarno mentor Daniel Guckau as well as the team at and Siberian Education has meant interact- keting plans and campaigns as in my first competition selection), My Father Is Kinowelt/StudioCanal, I had the chance of ing with some of the industry’s most stimu- day on the job. Baryshnikov (Busan selection), Land Of Good being 100% immersed in the business. lating creative talent and key producers and “I have been very fortunate to have worked Children (in production). Being able to experience the conversion financiers. The sales sector is an exciting with some great professionals. My first men- “I studied literature and the basics of story- from a German independent to part of a place with more companies financing films tor was Christian Solomon, at Grosvenor telling in college, but was always interested European studio at StudioCanal is great luck and working vertically. Responding to the Park, who really showed me the industry in the combination of art and creativity with and very rewarding as it’s representative of market while preserving our company iden- ropes. I learnt some invaluable lessons about business, strategic planning and negotia- the challenges the business nowadays faces tity is a key challenge, and one that I enjoy. the mechanisms of the industry from him tions. The business that I as well as the new opportunities it offers eve- Eve Schoukroun, Sharon Harel and Maya and most importantly he taught me to listen, got into is a perfect mix of both. ryone involved.” Amsellem bring a real wealth of experience, listen and, when you think you have under- “I love our industry because, in the very business acumen and creativity. I continue to stood everything, listen even harder! end of this long profit-oriented buyer-seller- Ann Phillips learn so much from working with them.” “My experience working for Al Munteanu financier chain, the core of what we deal with Head of acquisitions of Square One Entertainment has really is people and their emotions. When you see a WestEnd Films Ingrid Pittana opened my eyes to sales, acquisitions and dis- film released, read people’s opinions, see Head of acquisitions tribution and it’s been a rewarding, ongoing them laugh or cry in the movie theatre — this ■ Graduated with a BA in philosophy from SquareOne Entertainment (Ger) learning curve. The ever-changing market- is when you truly get rewarded for your long University College, London. place both in Europe and internationally has work hours. ■ Interned in development with independent ■ Graduated in economics and international really put distribution and its prior models to “This industry is full of amazing and producer Norma Heyman, and began working relations from McGill University, Montreal. the test. Currently we are starting to see how inspiring stories and people. Our own Rus- in development and acquisitions at Capitol ■ Career started in TV production and VoD is and will continue to shape those sian industry that has jumped from 84 Films in 2006, working with WestEnd partners co-ordination with Rome-based TV production changes. How the audience watches, as screens in 2000 to 2000-plus in 2011 is an Eve Schoukroun and Maya Amsellem. company Sitcom SpA. opposed to just what an audience chooses to inspiring and dynamic market.” ■ Joined sales and financing company ■ Worked for five years supporting the watch, is becoming more and more relevant.” WestEnd in 2008 as the company launched, London-based financial team of Grosvenor Tunc Sahin heading acquisitions and development. The Park while co-ordinating production for Mila Rozanova Head of acquisitions and sales company’s slate includes the Oscar- Fernando Ghia’s Pixit and foreign film Vice-president, acquisitions and Bir Film (Tur) nominated Footnote by Joseph Cedar, Neil distribution in Italy for Solo Entertainment co-productions Jordan’s upcoming Byzantium, Ralph Fiennes’ Group. Carmen Film Group (Rus) ■ Studied electrical engineering and attained upcoming The Invisible Woman and Gabriele ■ In 2007, joined the international sales team MBA. Salvatores’ upcoming Siberian Education. for Ancona-based animation company ■ Graduated with a masters in literature from ■ Started working at Bir Film in 2002 in the “I owe a lot to producer Daisy Allsop for Rainbow to launch its first feature film, Winx the Russian State University in Moscow and marketing department. helping me get a foothold in the industry — Club: The Secret Of The Lost Kingdom. later with a JD from USC Law School. ■ Moved to acquisitions in 2004 and was with her help and advice I was able to gain ■ In 2008, joined the acquisitions team of ■ Co founded kinoIzm.ru, one of the first named head of acquisitions and sales in 2008. development experience with Norma Hey- SquareOne Entertainment. Russian websites about cinema, in the late ■ He has produced one feature and three man and then Capitol Films. I now relish “Having worked for companies located in 1990s. shorts. working for a company as dynamic as West- Italy, Germany and the UK across film ■ In 2001, joined Carmen Film as PR manager, “Ten years ago, while studying engineering, End, and watching it grow has been a won- financing, theatrical and TV sales, acquisi- later working in international acquisitions. I came across a bunch of film buffs. This

n 10 Screen International at Cannes February XX, 2012 Feature

amazing community of people we work with pulled me in. “Although I haven’t been with Hyde Park for long, my boss Ashok Amritraj is proving Sweby to be an important mentor. I must also men-

Jo tion Julie Kroll — she has been a friend and

Martina Martina teacher to me as long as anyone in this

Ternstrom industry and I probably wouldn’t be where I am today without her. “One day, I would like to start my own sales company as well as produce projects of my own. The business today, with the extreme drop in DVD revenue, leaves much less room for error when choosing projects. 28 B The successful producers and investors will make films with the international audience 35 B in mind.” Jo Sweby Manager, worldwide acquisitions, film group of people was, like me, craving to do (UK) something related to cinema. After giving long thought to whether we should start an ■ Started career as an assistant in the

internet site or a movie magazine, we Was programming department of TCM/Cartoon decided on a film distribution company. As Network Europe. we had only one shot, we named it Bir Film, ■ Worked her way up to become director of meaning ‘one film’. For this one film we acquisitions, EMEA. worked with amazing enthusiasm. Fortu- ■ Made the transition into film, joining nately our efforts paid off and one film led Contender Entertainment in 2004. Marcin to hundreds of others. Each day I feel ■ Initial focus was Asian cinema. Remit shifted blessed to be part of this business. This is a to more mainstream product when Contender dynamic industry and the rules of was acquired by Entertainment One in 2007. change rapidly. But the challenge makes ■ Key deals negotiated include Gnomeo & you addicted to the game. There’s always Juliet, Dead Snow and The Ides Of March. something new to learn or adapt to. I am ■ Now working with acquisitions team and hoping to grow old running up and down 36 B territory heads to acquire theatrical and home the Croisette.” entertainment product for the UK, North America, Australia, Benelux, France, Germany, Antonio Salas Scandinavia and South Africa. Sales manager Christopher Seidelin then studied journalism, economics and “I knew I wanted to work in film or television Bankside Films (UK) Acquisition manager Middle East science. but was unsure which area of the business I Nordisk Film (Den) ■ Started career in development and wanted to go into. Knowing that I’d have to ■ Graduated in contemporary media from the acquisitions at MTV Networks in Europe. spend time learning about the industry, University of Westminster, London, in 2005. ■ MA in film studies, University of ■ Then started working for Inferno I quit university, joined a media temping ■ Joined Beyond Films as sales and Copenhagen. Entertainment; moved to Los Angeles. agency and immediately started work at acquisitions assistant in 2006. ■ Writer of numerous articles about film style, “I started my career at MTV Networks in . As assistant to a busy ■ Became sales and acquisitions assistant at directors and genre in film magazines and . I loved working in the music industry programming department, I enjoyed learn- Bankside Films in 2007. encyclopedias. and acquiring and developing shows for the ing about all aspects of broadcasting (and ■ Promoted to sales executive in 2009. ■ Interned at Nordisk Film in 2006. channel but after a few years I felt the need watching endless cartoons). ■ Named sales manager in 2011. ■ Moved into TV sales at Nordisk in 2006 and for a new challenge. “In both film and television, I’ve been “I got into the business through Hilary Davis into acquisitions in 2008. “I joined Inferno’s Berlin office with the lucky to work with many dynamic and and Stephen Kelliher at Beyond Films. It was “I came to Nordisk as an intern from uni- idea that this would actually be a short stopo- inspiring people and the sheer variety of important to start as a sales and acquisitions versity and was then offered a job in TV ver to something more permanent outside of interaction I have on a daily basis means that assistant as I got to know the ins and outs of sales. A spot opened in acquisitions, and entertainment entirely. no two days are ever the same. an industry that was new for me. Stephen Peter Philipsen took me in as his right-hand “After a few months, however, I was asked “Looking to the future, the key challenge and Hilary have been my mentors from day man. His immense experience and knowl- to move to Los Angeles to work with the is to be able to secure the right product to one and have allowed me to grow profes- edge of the film business has meant a lot, company’s head of sales at the time, Kim Fox. help eOne grow its business — by increas- sionally in our new company, Bankside as has watching him navigate the hectic Kim and owner Jim Seibel quickly became ing market share in our territories, getting Films. I have always been encouraged to markets. mentors to me, and showed me there is an involved earlier in UK productions and attend meetings with them, listen to their tel- “For Nordisk, I aspire to buy the big films interesting, creative and fun career in inter- helping build our US theatrical slate. A per- ephone conversations, and even share a — the genre and concept-driven titles that national distribution. Recently, I was pro- sonal goal outside work is to set up Flicks In drink with senior colleagues after a hard day help consolidate Nordisk as the Nordic major. moted to run the company’s genre label, The Sticks, a cinema club in the village I in Cannes. It is really important to be intro- “With prices going up, and video and TV Ember Films.” grew up in.” duced to industry people by your seniors. windows under increasing pressure, how- “It is as much a difficult moment for the ever, more and more pressure is put on find- John Short Martina Ternstrom film industry as it is an exciting one. Technol- ing those few truly invaluable titles, more Vice-president Acquisitions executive ogy is providing new possibilities for gener- than just the steady earners, that in recent Hyde Park International (US) Revolver Entertainment (UK) ating revenue but it is still far from an ideal years are less steady.” marriage. My goal is to lead a company ■ Attended the University of Texas in Austin. ■ Attended film school in New York, 2005-06. which understands the needs of both. Con- Sophie Seifried ■ First job in entertainment was at Paradigm ■ Worked at Magnolia Pictures from 2006-08. trary to the opinion of many others, I believe Director of international sales & Talent Agency. ■ Joined The Works, London, in 2008. the role of international distributors will acquisitions ■ First in 2009. ■ Went to Metrodome Group in 2010. become stronger and broader with many Inferno Entertainment (US) “I started in the international distribution ■ Started work at Revolver Entertainment in opportunities for diversification in the digital world at in 2008. Initially, I 2012. world.” ■ Born in Berlin, finished school in France, didn’t plan on remaining but the travel and “I was lucky enough to start my career in film

n 12 Screen International at Cannes February XX, 2012 Feature

at Magnolia Pictures in . I got to work with and learn from Tom Quinn,

Eamonn Bowles and Jason Janego, all Yazdi extremely knowledgeable and talented peo- ple who were always very generous with their time and who to this day inspire me. “I have since gone on to work for some of the most exciting and creative independent Webb

film distributors in the UK. They all have at Negeen least one thing in common, a drive and ambition to adapt to the rapidly changing climate in the film industry and find a way to make the numbers work again. This is also what drives me — I want to keep building Lucas bridges between film-makers, sales agents, distributors and consumers and hopefully contribute to a blossoming film industry where there is room and appetite for an eclectic range of films from companies both small and large.” Marcin Was Head of acquisition Best Film Co, and co-founder M2 Films (Pol) 32 B

■ Head of programming at Camerimage International Film Festival from 1999-2000. 35 B ■ In 2001 earned a diploma in sociology from our international market experiences and Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, cultural link to China, we hope we can be the Poland. bridge, bringing a variety of quality films to ■ Became head of international operations at our audience and present Chinese culture to Best Film Co in 2001. the world.” ■ Promoted to head of acquisition and distribution in 2006. Negeen Yazdi ■ Co-founder and CEO of M2 Films. Yang Senior vice-president, acquisitions “Like most people in the film business I and co-productions started life as a film buff whilst remaining Jimmy The Weinstein Company (UK) completely oblivious to the very nature of the industry behind it. I was lucky that from the ■ Graduated from Cambridge University with very beginning of my career people I’ve a BA hons in modern languages. Attended worked with, on both the sales and distribu- NYU for a masters in cinema studies. 35 B tion side, have had a collaborative approach ■ Spent five years at Duncan Heath’s to business, always sharing with me their Independent Talent in the UK in the literary wealth of knowledge and experience. department. Repped film and TV writers and “Throughout a decade, little has changed directors including Yann Demange, Nathan regarding the absolute importance of forg- Parker, James Marsh and Mark Tonderai. ing and nurturing key relationships in the well as the global studio system. I work ■ Industry experiences include working in ■ Spent three years at Universal Pictures industry. More than ever, with film distribu- across development, production and acquisi- Buena Vista International Taiwan, Zeus International as director of acquisitions in tion in a constant state of flux, its models tions. This has afforded me a broad overview International Productions and Spring London. Acquisitions included A Dangerous turning upside down, I aspire to always of the film business from different business International, with extensive and successful Method, Trollhunter, Step Up 3D and Tinker change with it, remaining courageous in my models, budget ranges, audience segments, marketing experiences of a variety of films, Tailor Soldier Spy. choices, growing ever smarter on budgets talent levels, personal relationships and from blockbusters to quality arthouse movies. “I was all set to hop on the milk round and whilst becoming wiser on how to market types of leadership. ■ Founded Serenity Entertainment take a graduate position at L’Oréal market- more effectively.” “Mentors have included Daniel Battsek International in 2005. Successful releases ing until a surprise scholarship from NYU (Disney and Miramax), include Academy award-winner, Slumdog diverted my path from Hammersmith to the Lucas Webb (TWC), and now Fox Searchlight under co- Millionaire, Chinese martial-arts blockbuster West Village where I discovered that, by Director, production and acquisitions presidents Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley, and Ip Man 2, Hollywood blockbuster Transporter some miracle, I could actually find a job Ingenious/Fox Searchlight (UK) head of production Claudia Lewis. 3, and romantic drama One Day. Most recent doing what I love. “Despite the complex and rapidly chang- release is Hong Kong movie A Simple Life. “Interning with David Linde at Good ■ Started out as production assistant at ing face of the business, of which we must ■ Set up an office in Beijing in 2007 and the Machine International kickstarted my career, Disney/Buena Vista International Films. remain aware, my personal ambition is to first China co-production is Love In Disguise, while my other two mentors are the stalwarts ■ Went on to be director, production and find the perfect marriage of pedigree mate- the directorial debut of musician Leehom of Oxford House, Duncan Heath and David acquisitions at Miramax Films. rial made for the right price — that magical Wang. The second co-production Double Kosse, who both taught me the value of rela- ■ Became VP, production and acquisitions at balance of critical and commercial film- Trouble is scheduled for release in Greater tionships and of daring to think a little differ- The Weinstein Co. making. Quality is king and audiences, China this summer. ently. And of course Harvey Weinstein is ■ Moved to Ingenious/Fox in 2011, responsible changing as they may be, remind us of this ■ In 2012, ventured into a new field as a proving to be quite a mentor! for identifying British features for production on a daily basis.” theatrical exhibitor by acquiring the cineplex “My ambitions are to work on great mate- or distribution under the Fox Searchlight CINEMA 7 in Taipei. rial with talented film-makers, but it’s more banner. Jimmy Yang “I entered this industry because I want to than that: memories of growing up watch- “My way into the business was through the General manager share what I love with the audience. Profits ing The Godfather, The Apartment, Cinema mail room at The Agency (now Serenity Entertainment International (Tai) are important, yet what’s even more impor- Paradiso and Spaghetti westerns on late- WME) in Los Angeles. tant is to bring films that give people hope, night TV with my dad drive me to do my lit- “Since leaving LA, I’ve had a foot in the ■ Earned a BA in drama from National Taiwan strength and passion. Now everyone sees the tle bit in creating some good old-fashioned British and European independent world as University of Arts. seemingly booming China market — with movie magic.” ns

n 14 Screen International at Cannes February XX, 2012