MGM Appoint New Worldwide Marketing Executive
If there's one thing that MGM have received grief over in recent time it would have to be their marketing efforts, which have been attributed to the flops of films such as Harts War. However, all that could be about to change with the appointment of a new marketing executive who will market MGM's films world-wide.
PRNewswire have reported that Peter Adee will lead MGM's worldwide theatrical marketing efforts for all major film releases, serving as President, Worldwide Marketing, effective immediately. In that capacity, he will be responsible for Publicity, Creative Advertising, Promotions, Research, Media, and related activities.
Adee has worked previously for Universal Studios and has been responsible for the promotion of films such as "A Beautiful Mind," "American Pie 2," "The Mummy Returns," "The Fast and the Furious," and "Jurassic Park 3." Adee replaces Bob Levin, who recently resigned from the position at MGM.
It has been announced that Adee will head the publicity for Die Another Day, and personally I'm hopeful as to what he could do for the film. Undoubtedly his recent track record is strong and should definetly push MGM's film publicity, which in recent times has been lacklustre at best, in the right direction.
Adee will also be responsible for the publicity for Pierce Brosnan's forthcoming film 'Evelyn'.
If you'd like to discuss the news please do so in this thread of the Die Another Day Forums. See you there!
SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/
MGM Distribution Co., a unit of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (NYSE: MGM), has hired veteran marketing executive Peter Adee to lead the Company's worldwide theatrical marketing efforts for all major film releases, serving as President, Worldwide Marketing, effective immediately. In that capacity, he will be responsible for Publicity, Creative Advertising, Promotions, Research, Media, and related activities. The announcement was made today by Chris McGurk, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, to whom Mr. Adee will report.
On making the announcement, Mr. McGurk commented: "Peter is a highly respected marketing talent whose impeccable instincts and tremendous creative zeal have resulted in a brilliant run of box-office successes. Both an innovator and a consummate strategist, his expert focus will galvanize our efforts as we prepare to launch some of MGM's most anticipated releases ever, including the newest James Bond film 'Die Another Day' and the Denzel Washington thriller 'Out of Time.'"
Added Mr. Adee: "I am thrilled to be joining MGM. I look forward to being a part of the marketing team and to supporting the Company's compelling and diverse film slate with some of the most creative and competitive campaigns ever."
Mr. McGurk continued: "Recently, Bob Levin approached us recommending that we seek a replacement for the position of Worldwide Marketing for MGM. We immediately began the search for his successor. While we feel extremely fortunate to bring aboard an executive of Peter's caliber, at the same time we wish Bob nothing but the best for the future and trust that his extraordinary executive skills will lead him to further success."
Among MGM's and United Artists' upcoming releases are the family adventure
comedy "Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course," starring Aussie animal crusader Steve Irwin which will be released on July 12th; the romantic comedy "A Guy Thing," with Julia Stiles, Jason Lee and Selma Blair headlining; the urban comedy "Barbershop," starring Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer and Eve headlining; "Out of Time," a gripping thriller showcasing Denzel Washington; the dramatic comedy "Igby Goes Down," featuring a stellar cast including Kieran Culkin, Susan Sarandon, Ryan Phillippe, Jeff Goldblum, Claire Danes and Amanda Peet; the action drama "Bulletproof Monk," with Chow Yun Fat and Seann William Scott; "Nicolas Nickelby," based on the Charles Dickens novel featuring Nathan Lane and Jim Broadbent; the compelling drama "Evelyn," with Pierce Brosnan and Julianna Marguiles; "A Few Good Years," the first ever on-screen pairing of Michael Douglas and Kirk Douglas; plus "Die Another Day," the highly anticipated 20th installment of the James Bond franchise, headlining Pierce Brosnan and co-starring Halle Berry.Mr. Adee comes to MGM from Universal Studios, where he most recently held the position of President – Marketing. During his tenure there, he oversaw the worldwide marketing campaigns for such successful releases as "A Beautiful Mind," "American Pie 2," "The Mummy Returns," "The Fast and the Furious," and "Jurassic Park 3." Prior to Universal, he was a Partner in the creative production agency New Wave Entertainment, which specializes in the creation of movie trailers and television campaigns.
From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Adee served as Senior Marketing Executive for DreamWorks SKG, where he played a key role in the successful launches of such high-profile projects as "Prince of Egypt" and "Antz." Previously, he spent seven years at the Walt Disney Co., most recently as Creative Director, having worked on the blockbuster films "Lion King," "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin."
Augmenting Mr. Adee's areas of responsibility, Bingham Ray, President of United Artists, will continue to oversee marketing and publicity for United Artists' specialty film releases. Erik Lomis, President of Theatrical Distribution, will continue to handle domestic distribution of MGM and UA films, and Daniel Rosett, Executive Vice President – Marketing and Distribution, will continue to supervise the Company's international distribution operations. In these capacities, all three executives report directly to Mr. McGurk.
MGM Distribution Co. handles marketing, publicity and distribution of theatrical films for MGM and United Artists. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. subsidiary, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of entertainment product, including motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The Company owns the largest modern film library in the world, consisting of approximately 4,000 titles. Its operating units include MGM Pictures, United Artists, MGM Television Entertainment, MGM Networks, MGM Distribution Co., MGM Worldwide Television Distribution, MGM Home Entertainment, MGM On Stage, MGM Consumer Products, MGM Music, MGM Interactive, and MGM Online.
In addition, MGM owns a 20 percent equity interest in four of Rainbow Media's successful national cable networks — American Movie Classics (AMC), Bravo, The Independent Film Channel (IFC) and WE: Women's Entertainment — and internationally has ownership interests in television channels reaching more than 40 countries around the globe. For more information on MGM, visit MGM Online at http://www.mgm.com .