American Film Market Dailies

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Independent feature production, financing, and distribution company Covert Media today announced that leading executive Linda Benjamin has joined the company as COO and Head of Business and Legal Affairs. In her new position at Covert Media, she will play a critical role in identifying and executing strategic opportunities and relationships as the company expands its production slate as well as spearheading the company’s day to day business and legal affairs. She will also support general operations. Linda will report to CEO Paul Hanson.

Hanson said, “We are thrilled to have Linda join our team – she has deep experience in all the key areas of our business and shares our enthusiasm for the company’s strategic growth plans.”

“I have always admired Paul’s business acumen and creative instincts and I am thrilled to be joining him and the Covert team as the company expands its production and sales operations,” said Linda. “Having crossed paths over the years, I know that our working styles and commitment to excellent projects and partners are sure to bring Covert continued success. I am looking forward to sharing the exciting things we already have in the works.”

Linda was the Executive Vice President of Business Affairs at Relativity Media for six years where she was a critical contributor to some of Relativity’s most significant and complex film and television deals, including its groundbreaking ventures in China and India, output partnerships, expansive music library, and international co-productions. Linda joined Relativity in 2008 and was involved with films such as Limitless, The Fighter, Act of Valor, Dear John, and the long-running tv series “Catfish” based on the movie of the same name.

Prior to Relativity, Linda was Head of Business Affairs & Operations for Intermedia US where she oversaw sales, business affairs, and film financing for the studio working on projects including Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, The Aviator, The Quiet American and The Hunting Party.

Linda joins Covert after two years as President, Global Strategy & Business Affairs for a children’s educational media organization.

In addition to her exemplary film work, Linda contributed to the latest version of The Movie Business Book (4^th ed) alongside luminaries such as Alan Horn, Shari Redstone and Jason Squire, was one of Variety’s 50 “Women of Impact” in 2010 and one of the publication’s 50 “Dealmakers of the Year in Entertainment” in 2012. She started her legal career at O’Melveny & Myers and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota.