Jim Burke named Focus Features production president

Focus Features has named Jim Burke as president of production.

Burke’s appointment continues the company’s diversification and expansion of its film slate. He will report to CEO Peter Schlessel.

In addition, current senior vice president of production Josh McLaughlin has been promoted to executive vice president, reporting to Burke.

“I have known Jim for many years and not only does he have a tremendous talent for both developing and producing films, he’s also a passionate advocate for filmmaking talent,” said Schlessel.

“Jim’s breadth of experience is the perfect fit to lead our production efforts as we continue to grow the Focus Features brand with a mix of both specialty films and wide releases.

Speaking about McLaughlin, he added: “Josh’s contributions since I joined the company have been invaluable and I am pleased to announce his promotion, one that he earned by taking stewardship of our production slate while the company transitioned under our new mandate.”

Burke has produced the likes of The Descendants and Cedar Rapids, as well as serving as executive producer on The Savages. In 2004, Burke, along with Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, created production company Ad Hominem.

Prior to that, Burke spearheaded the Rysher’s move into feature films and oversaw the development, production and release of the company’s slate, which included Kiss the Girls and Big Night.

McLaughlin has worked at Focus Features since 2012.