FEATURE
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■ June 2010, became head of international at Parco Co, Ltd. “Presidio Corporation gave me my very fi rst opportunity. My mentors are Yasutaka Hanada of Presidio, who inspired my profes- sional aspirations with the business values he demanded, and Tetsu Negami of The Klockworx who has provided me with the motivation and, when needed, the guidance in starting up and maintaining a foreign fi lm operation at my current position at Parco. What we do in terms of acquisitions is in my mind, still very much territorial and thus one-dimensional, and ideally, in order to enhance our business, we could be looking beyond just our lone domestic market.”
Alison Meese Head of UK acquisitions StudioCanal (UK)
■ Studied French at Leeds University,
graduated in 2003. ■ Joined Optimum Releasing (now StudioCanal) in 2003 as office assistant. Promoted to acquisitions assistant in October 2004; to acquisitions manager in May 2007; and became head of acquisitions in August
2011. ■ Involved in the acquisition of titles including Gomorrah, Animal Kingdom, Sarah’s Key, Y
our
Sister’s Sister, The Double and Beasts Of The Southern Wild. “I was fortunate enough to start my career at Optimum Releasing, a young, dynamic com- pany already experiencing rapid growth, in 2003. Being part of a small team expertly led by Will Clarke and Danny Perkins provided me with the perfect environment in which to learn quickly on my feet and encourage eve- ryday exposure to all aspects of distribution. Our acquisitions process has always involved
■ 60 Screen International at Cannes May 18, 2012
backing talent, identifying an audience and trusting one’s instincts. “Working at StudioCanal provides me
with the resources and fl exibility to buy mov- ies for a wider audience in conjunction with our partners in France and Germany, and yet still feel like I could discover and champion a new fi lm-making voice each time I travel to a festival. “While cautious of the state of fl ux in the
home-entertainment market, I think buyers continue to seek out reasonably priced, original fi lms with strong storytelling, spec- tacle or just something to surprise audi- ences.”
Eric Min Director of international sales & distribution Aldamisa International (US)
■ Graduated from the University of California,
Santa Barbara with a degree in film and media. ■ Worked in production, development and distribution before landing a job in sales and
acquisitions in 2004. ■ Joined Aldamisa International as director of international sales and distribution when the company first opened its doors in April 2011. “I love film. I’m passionate about it. As much as I try to be the shark in a suit, I’m also the long-haired creative type at heart. I got into the sales and acquisitions business by blind luck; I sent my resumé to an inter- esting job posting online and a few months later I was an international sales assistant navigating through the chaos of what was my fi rst Cannes. I’ve learned a lot over the years and have witnessed how rapidly the business is changing; buyers change with the times and sellers adapt, but every deal remains a commitment and a partnership.
My COO at Aldamisa International, Jere Hausfater, often tells stories about how a fi lm that sold for $500,000 today would have sold for three or four times that amount back in the good old days... The times are always changing and I’m excited to see the shape of things to come.”
David Mitjans Head of acquisitions A Contracorriente Films (Sp)
■ Graduated with degrees in chemistry and
audiovisual communication. ■ Producer and broadcaster of a radio programme about cinema for Radio Martorell
for eight years. ■ Acquisitions executive at Notro Films/
Vertice Cine for four years. ■ Head of acquisitions for A Contracorriente Films since 2011. “I am a lucky guy — my job is my hobby. I left my job as a chemist, and after studying for an audiovisual communication degree, Adolfo Blanco gave me the chance to work in distri- bution company Notro Films in Barcelona. “Now, as head of acquisitions at Contra-
corriente, I enjoy the relationships and friendships with some sellers… and I love to have the opportunity to discover and buy some small jewels such as Monsieur Lazhar, and then see how these movies begin to grow up, win prizes, become crowd pleasers and how they can be a really good business. So, quality and business can live together and my challenge is to fi nd them.”
Camille Neel Head of international sales Le Pacte (Fr)
■ After 10 years at Bac Films as sales
executive and then head of international sales, moved to Le Pacte in early 2011. “I was introduced by chance to this amazing and addictive job by Silvere Moreau, who has since left this business, and more than anyone else by Jean Labadie who trusted me at Bac and renewed this trust now at Le Pacte. There are now many more fi lms avail- able on the market, which makes choices and sales harder but on the other hand, each film is a real crush for which I am glad to fi ght for for years. It is a real privilege to be on the front line to discover fi lms from all over the world. So even if business is tougher and has changed a lot in the past few years, I cannot see myself doing another job for the years to come.”
Jennifer Nguyen Manager, marketing and operations Foresight Unlimited (US)
■ Graduate of California State University, Long Beach with a BA in film and electronic arts and
a minor in business entrepreneurship. ■ Started as a development intern for Bic Tran
at Lakeshore Entertainment. ■ Joined Foresight Unlimited in 2007 as executive assistant to the company’s CEO, Mark Damon and rose to current position of manager, marketing and operations. “Mark [Damon] has taught me everything I know about this business, and there is much more to learn from him. I aim to one day reach the same level of expertise and success in the world of fi lm sales and distribution. “The industry is always changing and fac-
ing new challenges as movie market trends and audience tastes evolve. It’s all about tak- ing the right risks, being more innovative than the next company, and having a little foresight. While no-one can predict the
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Bianca Obermaier
Tunc Sahin
Ann Phillips Mila Rozanova
Ingrid Pittana
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