FilmDistrict hires former SPWA executive Alperovich to head acquisitions

Alperovich will also serve as executive vice-president of GK Films and most recently served as senior executive vice-president and general manager of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions.

He reports directly to FilmDistrict Peter Schlessel, the president of GK Films and FilmDistrict CEO who previously headed worldwide affairs at Sony.

Alperovich will spearhead acquisitions for FilmDistrict and oversee day-to-day ancillary operations. He will also shepherd the ancillary rights of GK Films’ titles at Sony Pictures that are covered under the output arrangement GK Films announced with the studio. These include The Tourist and Hugo Cabret. 

Bob Berney serves as president of theatrical distribution for FilmDistrict.

“I’m thrilled to be reuniting with Peter at FilmDistrict,” Alperovich said. “He and Graham have formed a company with endless possibilities in the film space with exciting goals. Working closely with them and Bob, I’m eager to help turn those goals into realities.”

“I’ve known and worked with Adrian for about twenty years,” Schlessel added. “With his varied background across multiple platforms, I think he will be an incredible asset in helping us launch a premiere distribution company.”

“Adrian’s experience at Sony is invaluable and I’m looking forward to working with him as we build FilmDistrict into a strong presence in the industry,” Berney said.

Prior to joining SPE Acquisition Group, Alperovich spent 15 years at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, where as senior executive vice-president of international he oversaw the international business for the division and developed new business strategies, including the launch of DVD and Blu-Ray. 

Also joining FilmDistrict is Josie Liang, who will serve as acquisitions coordinator, reporting to Alperovich. Liang has previously worked at Circle Of Confusion and Sony Pictures Entertainment with Schlessel.