Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Jun 19, 2014 13:38:57 GMT -6
www.deadline.com/2014/06/r-i-p-jim-miller-former-longtime-warner-bros-exec/
Longtime Warner Bros executive James (Jim ) R. Miller who worked at the studio for 20 years and guided many of its financial deals and joint ventures, died June 6 at age 72. Miller initially joined the studio in 1979 and was instrumental in creating off balance-sheet financing and financial joint ventures that propelled slate after studio slate. He helped establish long-term relationship with Village Roadshow, helped with the PolyGram deal to acquire CastleRock Entertainment, and also set up the joint venture between such companies as Arnon Milchan’s New Regency Enterprises; Jim Robinson’s Morgan Creek; producer Jerry Weintraub; Joel Silver; and Jon Peters. Simply put, he was the financial brains behind the studio to get movies financed and produced.
“The very concept of film joint ventures and financing is due, in large part, to Jim’s creativity,” said producer and former Warner Bros.’ president of production Bill Gerber, who worked with him the entire 12-year career at the studio.
“Jim was an extraordinary executive,” said Bob Daly (former Warner Bros. co-chair) in a statement, “and the way Warner Bros. approaches deals today reflects the creativity and strategic thinking he instilled during his long tenure at the studio.”
Miller left the studio in 2000 to join Bel-Air Entertainment, a co-venture between Warner Bros and Canal Plus, where he served as co-chairman and CEO. After that, he served as CEO of Wild Brain Animation Co. and then joined Stereo Pictures 3-D as a partner.
Burial services will be held June 30 at 2 PM at Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Flushing, NY, with a memorial service to be held next June 25 at 10 AM at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles. The family asks that donations be made to the temple or to a charity of your choice in Miller’s name.
Longtime Warner Bros executive James (Jim ) R. Miller who worked at the studio for 20 years and guided many of its financial deals and joint ventures, died June 6 at age 72. Miller initially joined the studio in 1979 and was instrumental in creating off balance-sheet financing and financial joint ventures that propelled slate after studio slate. He helped establish long-term relationship with Village Roadshow, helped with the PolyGram deal to acquire CastleRock Entertainment, and also set up the joint venture between such companies as Arnon Milchan’s New Regency Enterprises; Jim Robinson’s Morgan Creek; producer Jerry Weintraub; Joel Silver; and Jon Peters. Simply put, he was the financial brains behind the studio to get movies financed and produced.
“The very concept of film joint ventures and financing is due, in large part, to Jim’s creativity,” said producer and former Warner Bros.’ president of production Bill Gerber, who worked with him the entire 12-year career at the studio.
“Jim was an extraordinary executive,” said Bob Daly (former Warner Bros. co-chair) in a statement, “and the way Warner Bros. approaches deals today reflects the creativity and strategic thinking he instilled during his long tenure at the studio.”
Miller left the studio in 2000 to join Bel-Air Entertainment, a co-venture between Warner Bros and Canal Plus, where he served as co-chairman and CEO. After that, he served as CEO of Wild Brain Animation Co. and then joined Stereo Pictures 3-D as a partner.
Burial services will be held June 30 at 2 PM at Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Flushing, NY, with a memorial service to be held next June 25 at 10 AM at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles. The family asks that donations be made to the temple or to a charity of your choice in Miller’s name.