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SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT BUILDS WORLD-CLASS DISTRIBUTION PLATFORM — STUDIO NAMES THEATRICAL EXHIBITION VETERAN RICHARD FAY AS PRESIDENT OF DOMESTIC THEATRICAL DISTRIBUTION
Los Angeles, CA April 26, 2007 — In a move that significantly builds its planned distribution infrastructure, recently-formed studio Summit Entertainment, has named veteran Richard M. Fay President, Domestic Theatrical Distribution. Fay heads Summit's newly-formed and experienced distribution team, and will work closely with exhibitors and filmmakers to develop, oversee and execute the domestic distribution strategy, and all related functions, for Summit's annual film slate. Fay reports to Summit Chief Operating Officer Robert Hayward who made the announcement today. In building the team, Fay has also tapped veteran film distribution executive William M. Lewis as General Sales Manager Domestic Distribution, Summit Entertainment. Pam Araugo has been hired as the studio's Eastern Division Manager, with the Western and Southern divisional manager positions to be announced soon. "In Richie we have found the right executive to lead Summit's domestic theatrical distribution operations. It is essential that we build an exceptional team out of the gate who can strategically not only compete but excel in this domestic marketplace," said Hayward. "Richie's blend of experience and relationships from distribution and exhibition makes him uniquely qualified to not only develop and execute the distribution strategies for our films, but also bring first-hand knowledge to Summit regarding today's rapidly evolving domestic theatrical marketplace." "Summit has the team and platform to define the studio of the future, one that can develop, finance, produce and distribute feature films into the marketplace, and I am proud to be part of this exciting organization," said Fay. "We have the ability to create a domestic distribution department that is nimble and designed to capitalize on the recent consolidation that has taken place in the U.S. exhibition community. Along with my senior team, we plan to stay in direct contact with the marketplace in order to serve our customers and maximize results." Fay has over 35 years experience in the film industry holding senior roles within both the theatrical exhibition industry and studio system. Recently, Fay served as the President of AMC Film Marketing for 10 years where he was responsible for film buying and in-theatre marketing. While there Fay negotiated all film settlements and initiated aggregate film deals as AMC grew into a circuit of Megaplexes. Before AMC, Fay had a solid foothold in both the exhibition and distribution arenas, holding the positions of Senior Vice President and Assistant General Sales Manager for Sony Pictures Releasing, Senior Vice President and Head Film Buyer for United Artists Theaters, and Vice President and Film Buyer for Loews Theaters. Fay got his start in the early 1970's in sales for United Artists Pictures, and prior as a Booker and Salesman for Warner Brothers Pictures negotiating film deals for the New York territory. Summit Domestic Distribution's newly-appointed General Sales Manager William M. Lewis also has a rich history in the movie industry starting his career as a theatre manager in 1977 and working his way up to a film booker for the United Artists Theatre Circuit. In 1986 he became the New York Branch Manager for DeLaurentiis Entertainment Group and went on to join Lorimar Pictures as the Eastern District Manager before returning to the United Artists Theatre Circuit as the Midwestern Division Film Buyer. In 1989, Lewis was named VP Eastern Division Manager for Hemdale Releasing Corporation and three years later began with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Distribution where he was Senior Vice President Eastern Sales Manager for 13 years. About Summit Entertainment Summit Entertainment LLC is a new worldwide theatrical motion picture development, financing, production and distribution studio. The studio handles all aspects of marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures as well as acquired pictures. Summit Entertainment, LLC also represents international sales for both its own slate and third party product. Summit Entertainment, LLC plans to release of 10 to 12 films annually. |
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