Mumbai: Sony Pictures Entertainment has promoted Valerie Van Galder and Marc Weinstock to co-presidents of Worldwide Theatrical Marketing. It was announced by chairman of worldwide marketing and distribution for the studio Jeff Blake to whom the two will report.
Galder and Weinstock will collectively develop and oversee worldwide marketing campaigns for all films released by Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems and Sony Pictures Animation.
The two have worked together for more than a decade, first joining forces while working at Fox Searchlight. Galder originally brought Weinstock to join her at Screen Gems in 2000, when she oversaw marketing and publicity for the genre label. When Van Galder moved from her role as president of TriStar Pictures in January 2006 to take over the reins of the domestic marketing division at Columbia Pictures, Weinstock made a seamless transition to lead motion picture marketing for Screen Gems and has since launched eight #1 films.
Van Galder and Weinstock have been the marketing architects for a total of 28 number one films.
Blake has reunited the two long-time colleagues to work together in developing and implementing the global marketing blueprint and launch strategy for more than 20 motion pictures a year.
"Val and Marc are recognized as two of the most creative, imaginative and strategic motion picture marketers in the industry today," said Blake. "By reuniting their talents, we will bring their experience and leadership to our offices overseas where we will deliver their consistent innovation and skill and make sure that our campaigns get the same strong care and treatment abroad."
Over the next several months, the two will begin working together to shape the marketing campaigns for upcoming titles such as Columbia Pictures’ Quantum of Solace, the 22nd James Bond adventure, starring Daniel Craig as 007; Angels & Demons, the feature film adaptation of Dan Brown’s bestselling novel; Roland Emmerich’s 2012; The Taking of Pelham 1,2,3, starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta; and Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, starring Michael Cera and Kat Dennings.
They are also overseeing the campaigns for Screen Gems’ Lakeview Terrace, which is directed by Neil LaBute and stars Samuel L. Jackson, Kerry Washington, and Patrick Wilson; Quarantine; Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, the next installment of the highly successful series, and District 9, from producer Peter Jackson, among many other films. The two will also oversee marketing for the upcoming feature films from Sony Pictures Animation including the recently announced Smurfs movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Hotel Transylvania.
