Cookson Named President of Sony Pictures Technologies

Cookson Named President of Sony Pictures Technologies

Will Oversee Studio's Application Of Technology And Liaison With Sony Corporation

CULVER CITY, Calif., Jan. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Christopher J. Cookson has been named President of Sony Pictures Technologies, it was announced today by Michael Lynton, CEO and Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman.

Cookson will oversee the development and implementation of the studio's technology policy and processes. He will also serve as Sony Pictures' chief liaison with other Sony Corporation businesses in the area of technology. The position is a new one at Sony Pictures, and Cookson will report to Lynton and Pascal.

Cookson was Chief Technology Officer of Warner Bros. Entertainment and President of the Warner Bros. Technical Operations Division. He became CTO in 1999, and began his career with Warner Bros. in 1992. Previously he served as Vice President and General Manager of Operations and Engineering for the CBS Television Network in New York. Before that, he worked for ten years at the ABC Television Network, where he won an Emmy award for his work as Director of the ABC and International Olympics Broadcast Centers.

"Technological changes are reshaping the business model of the entire entertainment industry, and Sony Pictures aims to be at the forefront of this revolution," said Lynton. "Chris Cookson's long career in the technological end of the entertainment business gives him the kind of wisdom and experience we need at this crucial moment in our studio's history."

"New developments in technology are rapidly changing the ways that we create, distribute and enjoy the experiences that entertain us. This is a most exciting time to be part of this industry, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to join with the unmatched resources of the Sony Corporation in helping shape this revolution," said Cookson.

Cookson holds more than 30 U.S. patents, including several involving DVDs. He also has been leading the effort to maintain high standards of quality on theatrical digital post production technologies.

Sony Pictures' Chief Technology Officer, Mitch Singer, and his team will report to Cookson.

"One key responsibility for Chris is his role as technology liaison with Sony Corporation and its businesses. That is a crucial part of Sir Howard Stringer's vision of 'Sony United,' whereby the people and companies of Sony work closely together to bring content and hardware together as we move from the analog to the digital age," said Lynton.

Sony Pictures Entertainment has been a longtime leader in the arena of digital entertainment. It was one of the first studios in the DVD business and the first to sell television shows online and movies for mobile devices. SPE is also one of the pioneers in digital downloading. Sony Pictures also includes Sony Online Entertainment, a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, and Crackle, a video entertainment site acquired by the studio in 2006.

Cookson is a fellow of The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (and served as ATAS Chairman of the Engineering Awards Committee from 1995 - 1997) and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He has been awarded two Emmys.

Cookson holds a BSE degree and an MBA from Arizona State University.

contact:

Jim Kennedy
SVP, Corporate Communications
(310) 244-6777
jim_kennedy@spe.sony.com

Steve Elzer
SVP, Media Relations
Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group
(310) 244-7142
steve_elzer@spe.sony.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Sony Pictures Technologies

CONTACT: Jim Kennedy, SVP, Corporate Communications of Sony Pictures
Technologies, +1-310-244-6777, jim_kennedy@spe.sony.com; or Steve Elzer, SVP,
Media Relations of Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, +1-310-244-7142,
steve_elzer@spe.sony.com

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