Carole Myer, chief executive of UK-based The Sales Company and one of the most popular figures in the industry, will step down from her current post when her contract expires in November. Alison Thompson, head of marketing at the company since 1989, will take over.
Myer set up The Sales Company in October 1986, backed by British Screen, Zenith Productions and Palace Pictures. Palace's share was subsequently bought by BBC Worldwide in 1992. "I've enjoyed every minute at The Sales Company," says Myer, "but having devoted 20 years to the film business, I plan to move on to pastures new."
Thompson was unanimously appointed as new chief executive, effective from November, by the company's shareholders.
Stephen Klain has been named vice president of marketing for Miramax International, it was announced by company president Rick Sands. This is in line with Miramax International's expansion of its core operations in New York, where supervision of all overseas marketing activities now rests. International Publicity shifts to London, where Victoria Ashley will relocate to work alongside fellow director of publicity Sarah Wilby.
Paul Brett, who joined the London office in November as vice president of marketing, is leaving the company.
Rick van den Heuvel of Magus Entertainment announced that the Netherlands-based international sales company is handling world sales on Marc Punt's She Good Fighter, the Belgian film that took an amazing US$250,000 in less than a week at the local box-office. From the makers of the surprise 1992 Cannes hit Boys, it is set against a kickboxing background.
Other product at Magus' Noga Hilton offices includes Erik van Looy's Ad fundum (The Initiation) and 40 holiday destination video titles from different locations around the world.
