Founder departs London sales group as Robert Mitchell becomes CEO; company revises distribution policy.

Intandem co-founder Gary Smith is to leave the company after nine years, with Robert Mitchell, current managing director of Intandem Films Distribution and executive director for Intandem Films, assuming the role of CEO.

According to a company statement, Smith leaves to “combine his career as an executive producer with new opportunities outside the film industry”.

Mitchell joined Intandem in 2012 to head up the company’s UK distribution business, which added staff and was due to release multiple films each year.

In a revision of that policy, the company announced it will “continue to consider UK distribution opportunities but these can typically be capital intensive in nature” and that “in the short to medium term the company will only commit to UK distribution engagements where it is possible to partner with a second UK distributor”.

The distribution unit’s UK release Jadoo, a Berlin culinary cinema entry, for which it also handled sales, is no longer being released by the company after it was taken over for sales by Jeff Berg’s new outfit, Resolution, during the EFM. Last November Intandem released Stephen Gyllenhaal’s comedy Grassroots on 16 sites for £8,821.

Mitchell was formerly managing director of Disney UK where he oversaw the distribution and marketing of films such as The Lion King, Pulp Fiction, Toy Story and There Will Be Blood. Prior to Disney, he held senior positions at Palace Pictures and Warner Bros.

John James, non-executive director, said of Mitchell: “Robert Mitchell has brought significant skills and experience to the Board since his original appointment in 2011 and his appointment as CEO offers an excellent opportunity for Intandem’s future growth.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Gary Smith for his contribution over the years to the development of the company and we wish him every success in the future.”

Among Intandem’s sales slate is Believe and development title The Laureate. Production of 10 Things I Hate About Life is delayed but expected to resume in the second half of 2013.

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