Bankside appoints Howson, Salas joins Focus

UK sales outfit Bankside Films has appointed Patrick Howson to the position of sales executive as the company’s previous sales executive Antonio Salas has joined Focus Features International as director, international sales.

Howson, who assumes his role in mid-February, will be responsible for sales to Eastern Europe, Latin America, Israel, Portugal, Turkey, South Africa and world airlines.

He previously worked with Paul Webster at Kudos Pictures as creative assistant and, most recently, at Shine Pictures as development coordinator. Howson worked on features including Brighton Rock and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.

Salas [pictured] joined Bankside at the company’s inception six years ago; prior to that he worked at Beyond Films. He will now join FFI’s London-based sales team, led by Alison Thompson.

Bankside head of sales and marketing Stephen Kelliher told Screen: “Antonio was with us from the very beginning of Bankside Films and, of course, we are sad to see a member of the family depart. The company has come a long way in six years and Antonio’s contribution to the journey will always be remembered.

“However, we could not be happier that the next step in his career takes him to a world class company like Focus International. We are sure that he will go from strength to strength in his new position and we wish him every success in the world.”

On Howson’s hiring, Kelliher added: “We a thrilled to have Patrick join the Bankside team. The creative insight he has gained at Kudos Pictures/Shine Pictures will bring a new and exciting dimension to the company and we feel sure that his experience will be a huge asset in his new sales role. He will play an integral part in the continued growth of the company and we very much look forward to his contribution at this very exciting time.”

Bankside has world on films including Spike Island, Wasteland, iLL Manors, Trishna and You Instead.