Eric Christenson to head sales for Hollywood Studios International

Christenson, who most recently consulted for Voltage Pictures and previously handled international sales for Graham King, said he was busy lining up his initial roster and would announce executive appointments shortly.

He will attend Sundance and Berlin to scout for possible titles and meet buyers and plans to officially launch the sales push in Cannes. HSI will provide completion funds on projects where appropriate.

“We are delighted to add Eric to our senior management team,” HSI CEO Sir Steven Saxton said. “His exceptional talent and proven track record gives us the ability to aggressively discover and develop new opportunities around the globe.”

“I am very excited to be working with Sir Steven and the amazingly talented and energetic people at Hollywood Studios International as we launch our new venture,” Christenson said.

“With its ability to make strategic investments in films, combined with its access to international distribution, tax incentives, soft money, and additional sources of capital to help finance pictures, HSI is uniquely positioned to meet the challenges of the current marketplace.”

HSI is a privately funded entertainment holding company with subsidiaries Artist International, Models International, iCreate and Hollywood Studios China

At Voltage Pictures, Christenson licensed titles like The Hurt Locker and The Whistleblower. From 2005 to 2008, Christenson was president of sales at King’s Initial Entertainment Group/GK Films, working on such titles as The Departed, The Aviator, and Gangs Of New York, Nextand The Young Victoria.

He was one of the founders and owners of Myriad Pictures, where he served as executive vice-president of sales and distribution.

He also served stints as vice-president of worldwide distribution for Behaviour Worldwide, director of international distribution for MDP Worldwide, and manager of international distribution for Vision International.