Curzon World hires FremantleMedia’s Mel Alcock as COO

The exec will take up the role on May 1 and will work alongside Curzon World CEO Philiip Knatchbull.

In addition to his senior operational responsibilities, Alcock will look to extend Curzon’s reach across both theatrical exhibition and through VoD service Curzon Home Cinema, which he will develop for new platforms.

Alcock was most recently CEO EMEA of FremantleMedia Enterprises, the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia - the worldwide production company behind The X Factor, Idols and Got Talent formats.

He joined FremantleMedia Enterprises in August 2009, having previously held senior management roles at Sky, Disney and digital agency i-Crossing.

Knatchbull said: “Mel Alcock has an outstanding track record working on some of the world’s biggest brands, and we share a mutual vision for the future of Curzon World. We’re delighted to be able to bring his skills, experience and enthusiasm to this very important role within the company.”

Alcock said: “This is a fantastic opportunity. Curzon World is a brand steeped in 80 years of cinematic theatrical history and I look forward to now cementing it as the definitive home of curated cinema content both at exhibition venues and also across digital platforms.”

Curzon Cinemas has seven venues across the UK. Curzon Home Cinema is the group’s “virtual venue” offering selected films on the same day as their theatrical release.

Curzon Film World comprises three distribution labels: Curzon Film World Releasing; Artifical Eye; and genre label Chelsea Films.

Through funding vehicle Curzon Film Rights 2, it recently produced its first film Le Weekend, directed by Roger Mitchell and starring Jim Broadbent, Lindsay Duncan and Jeff Goldblum. It is set for release later this year.