Stephen ankles Film Four

Sales and marketing director exits after 14-year stint

By ADAM DAWTREY

LONDON -- Bill Stephens is ankling as director of sales and marketing at Film Four Intl. in a move that severs the final link between the old and new regimes at Channel 4's film arm.

Stephens, who is leaving after 14 years in charge of selling C4's pics overseas, will be replaced by Sue Bruce-Smith, whose new title is director of worldwide sales and marketing. Bruce-Smith joined Film Four last year as film sales manager, following a career at BBC Films, the British Film Institute and Palace Pictures.

Stephens' departure completes the restructuring of Film Four as an integrated stand-alone company under new chief exec Paul Webster, following the departure a year ago of former chiefs David Aukin and Colin Leventhal and their development team, who left to launch HAL Films.

"I've enjoyed the last 14 years enormously, but the time has come to move on," Stephens said. "I leave the international division in Sue's very capable hands, and I wish her every success for the future."

"Everyone at Film Four will join me in offering Bill Stephens a sincere vote of thanks for his great contribution over the past 14 years. I wish him every success in whatever he intends to do," Webster said.

"I could not be happier that Sue is taking on these extra responsibilities in the crucial area of international sales and marketing for our films -- her experience, imagination and energy will be invaluable as we enter what will be a very exciting year at Film Four."