The Weinstein Company has issued a bold statement of intent about the strength of its upcoming slate and commitment to theatrical releasing by hiring Lionsgate veteran Tom Ortenberg as president of theatrical films.
Ortenberg served more than 12 years at Lionsgate, most recently as president of theatrical films, and will commence work next week in the newly created position at The Weinstein Company's Los Angeles offices. He reports to Bob and Harvey Weinstein.
The departing senior executive is not expected to be replaced at Lionsgate and sources said his duties will be absorbed by marketing co-presidents Sarah Greenberg and Tim Palen and distribution chief Steve Rothenberg.
He will be involved in all aspects of domestic theatrical releases including acquisitions, distribution, marketing and publicity of features released through The Weinstein Company and Dimension Films labels, whose slate include Quentin Tarantino's wartime drama Inglourious Basterds starring Brad Pitt and Rob Marshall's all-star musical extravaganza Nine with Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz and Marion Cotillard.
Bob and Harvey Weinstein said Ortenberg's arrival was 'a major coup' as the company prepared to release 'some of the biggest and most exciting films we've made.'
'He has the rare combination of being a truly multi-talented executive with creativity, business acumen, strong talent relationships and was a pioneering force for our friends at Lionsgate with his proven leadership skills,' the brothers said.
'He's the consummate professional, who's bringing his years of experience to the company, and we are confident that his expertise will continue to further the success of The Weinstein Company and strengthen our existing executive pool.'
'I am honoured to join Bob and Harvey, who are essentially the creators of the modern independent film business,' Ortenberg said. 'I look forward to working with the very talented executive team and doing my part in helping the company in their continued growth and success.'
Ortenberg started out with Columbia Pictures in 1985, leaving after four years to join Hemdale Film Corporation. He was Lionsgate's first employee in Los Angeles and opened the office in Santa Monica in 1996 staffed only by himself and a part-time assistant.
During his tenure Lionsgate has released such titles as Fahrenheit 9/11, 3:10 To Yuma, Crash, the Saw franchise, Monster's Ball, Girl With A Pearl Earring and the Tyler Perry franchise including Diary Of A Mad Black Woman.
Lionsgate and The Weinstein Company previously collaborated on Fahrenheit 9/11, Sicko and Dogma.
The Weinstein Company and Dimension Films 2009 slate includes All Good Things starring Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst and Frank Langella and Rob Zombie's Halloween sequel H2.
Ortenberg served more than 12 years at Lionsgate, most recently as president of theatrical films, and will commence work next week in the newly created position at The Weinstein Company's Los Angeles offices. He reports to Bob and Harvey Weinstein.
The departing senior executive is not expected to be replaced at Lionsgate and sources said his duties will be absorbed by marketing co-presidents Sarah Greenberg and Tim Palen and distribution chief Steve Rothenberg.
He will be involved in all aspects of domestic theatrical releases including acquisitions, distribution, marketing and publicity of features released through The Weinstein Company and Dimension Films labels, whose slate include Quentin Tarantino's wartime drama Inglourious Basterds starring Brad Pitt and Rob Marshall's all-star musical extravaganza Nine with Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz and Marion Cotillard.
Bob and Harvey Weinstein said Ortenberg's arrival was 'a major coup' as the company prepared to release 'some of the biggest and most exciting films we've made.'
'He has the rare combination of being a truly multi-talented executive with creativity, business acumen, strong talent relationships and was a pioneering force for our friends at Lionsgate with his proven leadership skills,' the brothers said.
'He's the consummate professional, who's bringing his years of experience to the company, and we are confident that his expertise will continue to further the success of The Weinstein Company and strengthen our existing executive pool.'
'I am honoured to join Bob and Harvey, who are essentially the creators of the modern independent film business,' Ortenberg said. 'I look forward to working with the very talented executive team and doing my part in helping the company in their continued growth and success.'
Ortenberg started out with Columbia Pictures in 1985, leaving after four years to join Hemdale Film Corporation. He was Lionsgate's first employee in Los Angeles and opened the office in Santa Monica in 1996 staffed only by himself and a part-time assistant.
During his tenure Lionsgate has released such titles as Fahrenheit 9/11, 3:10 To Yuma, Crash, the Saw franchise, Monster's Ball, Girl With A Pearl Earring and the Tyler Perry franchise including Diary Of A Mad Black Woman.
Lionsgate and The Weinstein Company previously collaborated on Fahrenheit 9/11, Sicko and Dogma.
The Weinstein Company and Dimension Films 2009 slate includes All Good Things starring Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst and Frank Langella and Rob Zombie's Halloween sequel H2.
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