Mumbai: IMAX Corporation has appointed Julian Stanford as general manager, theatre development – Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Based in London, Stanford will be responsible for accelerating IMAX’s growth throughout EMEA and increasing IMAX’s presence as the premiere venue to experience Hollywood’s biggest films.
There are currently 55 IMAX theatres open in EMEA, and 15 additional IMAX theatres are scheduled to be open in the region by the end of 2011. Stanford will report directly to Theatre Development executive vice president Larry O’Reilly.
Stanford joins IMAX from Aristocrat Technologies, a global video gaming company. Previously, Stanford was the head of sales (EMEA) for United International Pictures (UIP), where he oversaw film distribution and sales for Paramount, Universal and DreamWorks films. Prior to his work with UIP, Stanford was a managing director for MGM Home Entertainment, EMEA where he was responsible for consumer brand marketing, portfolio planning and retailing for MGM’s EMEA video, DVD and games businesses.
He will draw on his extensive background and experience working in the international entertainment and film industries to generate new business opportunities for IMAX and IMAX’s studio partners and grow the IMAX EMEA theatre network into a more significant distribution channel for Hollywood event films.
Stanford will focus on driving sales of the IMAX digital projection system, which delivers The IMAX Experience and helps drive profitability for studios, exhibitors and IMAX theatres by eliminating the need for film prints, increasing program flexibility and ultimately increasing the number of movies shown on IMAX screens.
"Stanford’s experience and understanding of the industry and market make him an ideal choice to take on this critical role at IMAX, especially when the IMAX film slate includes some of the most impressive titles in Hollywood," said O’ Reilly. "His personal relationships and knowledge of the industry and the nuances of conducting business throughout EMEA will be extremely helpful as well."
"Given his background with film distribution strategy and on-the-ground experience, Julian will be a valuable addition to the IMAX team and we are delighted to be attracting such top talent into our organization," said IMAX Co-CEOs and Co-Chairmen Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "The European market holds much growth potential as IMAX rolls out IMAX digital and seeks more joint venture relationships with exhibitors, and Julian’s expertise will be an important boost to our efforts in EMEA."
