Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. Fires Up Domestic Theatrical Distribution Unit
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. Fires Up Domestic Theatrical Distribution Unit
Names Clark Woods President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution
Announces 2006-2007 Slate of Theatrical Releases
LOS ANGELES, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) announced today the revitalization of MGM's domestic theatrical distribution business with a new strategy that calls for the release of several high profile films this year. The Company named a new senior management team that will drive the growth of the distribution business and announced its 2006-2007 slate of theatrical releases.
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MGM's theatrical distribution unit will now be overseen by Rick Sands, Chief Operating Officer of MGM, and include nearly 50 positions. Mr. Sands, who most recently served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of DreamWorks SKG and is the former Chief Operating Officer of Miramax Films, has built an experienced team of executives to manage MGM's domestic distribution.
Paramount Pictures veteran Clark Woods will serve as President, Domestic Theatrical Distribution of MGM. In his new role, Mr. Woods, a 25-year veteran of Paramount Pictures, will supervise all aspects of theatrical distribution. During his tenure with Paramount Pictures, Mr. Woods was involved with and spearheaded the distribution for such blockbuster and award-winning films as "Titanic," "Braveheart," "Forrest Gump," "Ordinary People," "Raider's of the Lost Ark," "Terms of Endearment," "Beverly Hills Cop," "Mission: Impossible," and "War of the Worlds."
"We have an exceptional team in place to drive the growth of MGM's domestic theatrical distribution," said Harry E. Sloan, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at MGM. "We expect that re-invigorating our distribution business in North America will pave the way for MGM to regain its prominence as a major force in providing new quality filmed entertainment on a global basis. As part of this strategy, we are pleased to announce an exciting slate of theatrical releases in 2006 and in the first quarter of 2007, involving many of the best actors, producers and directors in the business."
MGM's slate is highlighted by immense star power -- Kevin Costner, William Hurt, Richard Gere, Michelle Pfeiffer, Bruce Willis, Ben Kingsley, Josh Hartnett, Lucy Liu, Morgan Freeman, Joseph Fiennes, Winona Ryder, Christian Bale, Mickey Rourke, and Claire Danes, among many others. Behind the screen, the lineup is equally impressive and features leading Hollywood creative talent such as Amy Heckerling ("Look Who's Talking," "Clueless"), Anthony Minghella ("Cold Mountain," "The English Patient"), John Madden ("Shakespeare in Love"), Bruce A. Evans and Raynold Gideon ("Stand By Me") and David Ayer ("Training Day," "The Fast and The Furious").
MGM's next release will be "Lucky Number Slevin," which is scheduled to be released on April 7, 2006 in association with The Weinstein Company. Set in the world of New York City gangsters, the film, directed by Paul McGuigan ("Wicker Park"), stars Bruce Willis, Josh Hartnett, Lucy Liu, Morgan Freeman, Ben Kingsley and Stanley Tucci in a film noir, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will appeal to a broad audience.
For a full list of the MGM 2006/2007 slate, go to www.mgm.com.
"We are rapidly expanding MGM's distribution business," said Sands. "Going forward, through partnerships with independent production companies and studios, we plan to continually build an outstanding slate of releases. Working with these independent production companies, will enable us to focus on North American distribution as well as rights management worldwide. The future is about content and we are working to freshen and bulk up our world- class library, which will further enhance the value of the company."
MGM's films (with video rights) will be distributed in the home video marketplace by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and also be made available on the Blu-Ray format.
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,000 titles. Operating units including Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 110 countries. MGM ownership is currently as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), Texas Pacific Group (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
CONTACT: Jeff Pryor
Executive Vice President/Corporate Communications
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
p. (310) 449-3446; e. jpryor@mgm.com
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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
CONTACT: Jeff Pryor, Executive Vice President/Corporate Communications
of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., +1-310-449-3446, jpryor@mgm.com
Web site: http://www.mgm.com/
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