Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Nov 25, 2014 21:13:37 GMT -6
variety.com/2014/film/news/russell-schwartz-out-as-relativity-europacorp-marketing-president-exclusive-1201331334/
Russell Schwartz has stepped down as president of theatrical marketing at Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution.
His exit follows a series of box office disappointments for the company such as “The Best of Me” and “Beyond the Lights.” Relativity will announce his resignation in a staff meeting on Tuesday.
Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution is a joint venture formed by Relativity and EuropaCorp last February to market and distribute Relativity Studios’ films worldwide and EuropaCorp’s movies in the U.S. At the time of its formation, Relativity’s U.S. marketing and distribution operations were folded into the joint venture.
Relativity President Tucker Tooley and EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert have begun interviewing external candidates to replace Schwartz and a successor is expected to be announced by early next year.
Among the people being considered for the position are Tommy Gargotta, former president of Sony Pictures Worldwide Creative Advertising, and Tony Sella, former chief of 20th Century Fox’s domestic marketing arm.
A spokesman for Relativity confirmed Schwartz’s departure but had no comment on possible replacements.
Relativity has endured a rough patch at the box office, but the films that fizzled were modestly budgeted, which limited its financial exposure.
Schwartz, who had previously served as a consultant at Relativity, replaced Terry Curtin as the studio’s marketing chief in August of 2013. In May, his cohort, president of creative advertising and research Dana Precious — who was tapped with Schwartz to replace Curtin — was ousted from the company.
Prior to joining Relativity in 2013, Schwartz was president of Pandemic Marketing. He served as president of theatrical marketing at New Line Cinema for seven years and was also president of USA Films and Gramercy Pictures.
Russell Schwartz has stepped down as president of theatrical marketing at Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution.
His exit follows a series of box office disappointments for the company such as “The Best of Me” and “Beyond the Lights.” Relativity will announce his resignation in a staff meeting on Tuesday.
Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution is a joint venture formed by Relativity and EuropaCorp last February to market and distribute Relativity Studios’ films worldwide and EuropaCorp’s movies in the U.S. At the time of its formation, Relativity’s U.S. marketing and distribution operations were folded into the joint venture.
Relativity President Tucker Tooley and EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert have begun interviewing external candidates to replace Schwartz and a successor is expected to be announced by early next year.
Among the people being considered for the position are Tommy Gargotta, former president of Sony Pictures Worldwide Creative Advertising, and Tony Sella, former chief of 20th Century Fox’s domestic marketing arm.
A spokesman for Relativity confirmed Schwartz’s departure but had no comment on possible replacements.
Relativity has endured a rough patch at the box office, but the films that fizzled were modestly budgeted, which limited its financial exposure.
Schwartz, who had previously served as a consultant at Relativity, replaced Terry Curtin as the studio’s marketing chief in August of 2013. In May, his cohort, president of creative advertising and research Dana Precious — who was tapped with Schwartz to replace Curtin — was ousted from the company.
Prior to joining Relativity in 2013, Schwartz was president of Pandemic Marketing. He served as president of theatrical marketing at New Line Cinema for seven years and was also president of USA Films and Gramercy Pictures.