October eyes Gramercy
Focus is on prexy Schwartz, Working Title
Sources at October said that it particularly values Gramercy president Russell Schwartz and his relationship with the U.K.'s Working Title Films. The addition of Schwartz, and -- potentially -- some pics from Working Title, could give October a big boost, these industryites say.
Gramercy is due to release Working Title's "Hi-lo Country," from director Stephen Frears, on Dec. 30. Highlights of its 1999 slate include Propaganda Films' "Being John Malkovich," starring Malkovich, John Cusack and Cameron Diaz.
The addition of Schwartz and absorption of Gramercy might spark off a management re-shuffle at October, which already has three co-presidents: Scott Greenstein, Bingham Ray and John Schmidt.
Neither the October execs nor Schwartz would comment Wednesday.
Like its U parent, October has experienced its share of management turmoil. Ray, one of October's co-founders, has repeatedly clashed with Greenstein, whom Universal recruited from Miramax shortly after acquiring 51% of October in 1997.
A senior exec at U said that nothing to do with Gramercy's future would be decided until Seagram's acquisition of PFE parent Polygram Holdings closed within the next month. He added that there had been no talks with Schwartz to entice him to join October.
One fly in the ointment is October's decision to postpone the theatrical release of "The Naked Man," which was directed by J. Todd Anderson, a longtime collaborator of the Coen Brothers. Pic was co-written by Anderson and Ethan Coen.
October has pulled "The Naked Man" from its 1998 release schedule and is mulling a homevideo release. But the Coen Brothers, who have a production deal with Working Title, are said to be resisting a homevideo release of "Man."
However, October execs say the film starring Michael Rapaport as a chiropractor by day and wrestler by night will have a theatrical release in 1999.
