Mumbai: Lionsgate has appointed Alli Shearmur as president of Motion Picture Production, which completes the expansion of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Production wing.
Shearmur served as co-president of production at Paramount Studios from 2005 through early 2007 and is currently producing director Doug Liman’s latest feature.
The announcement was made by Lionsgate co-chief operating officer Joe Drake and Lionsgate Motion Picture Group president Mike Paseornek.
The expansion is based on a new structure designed to achieve greater focus on every Lionsgate motion picture and facilitate a broader, more comprehensive reach into the creative community. Under the structure, Shearmur and Paseornek will head separate entrepreneurial production divisions, each responsible for 6-8 targeted films to fill out Lionsgate’s original production slate of 12-16 titles a year.
In developing new projects, Shearmur will draw upon her base of marquee filmmaker and talent relationships; and bring to bear her affinity for top-flight material and keen understanding of what audiences want to see, as evidenced in her diverse studio track record that includes the American Pie comedies, the Matt Damon/Bourne franchise and David Fincher’s Zodiac.
Paseornek will continue to spearhead the production of the kinds of movies that have been instrumental in defining the Lionsgate brand, such as MY Bloody Valentine 3-D; My Best Friend’s Girl, an edgy romantic comedy starring Kate Hudson; and comic-book action fare like The Spirit. Paseornek will also continue growing core talent showcases such as the Tyler Perry and Crank franchises. Reporting to Shearmur are Motion Picture Production vice president Jim Miller, and Motion Picture Production vice president Wolfgang Hammer. Reporting to Paseornek are Motion Picture Production senior vice president John Sacchi, and Motion Picture Production executive vice president Lisa Ellzey.
Drake said, "As Lionsgate continues to expand, our goal on the motion picture production side is to foster an environment characterized by creativity and focus. We’ve developed a partnership strategy that maximizes efficiency while providing the ideal setup for two exceptional executives — Shearmur and Paseornek — to do what they do best."
Shearmur states, "Lionsgate represents the opportunity of a lifetime for me. There is a palpable sense of momentum about this studio, which I think is a testament to its consistently perceptive and agile approach to making movies. I look forward to joining this amazing team and developing a film slate with the very highest creative and commercial potential."
Apart from movie theatres and on DVD Lionsgate entertainment can now also be seen on newer platforms such as FEARNet, the video-on-demand, and Internet horror channel. In 2009, Lionsgate will launch a new premium television service with partners Viacom, Paramount Pictures, and MGM.
