In his newly expanded role, Hendricks will continue to oversee all physical aspects of production for motion pictures produced under the three Disney banners: Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures and Hollywood Pictures.

Commenting on Hendricks' promotion, Disney chairman Joe Roth said: "Bruce has one of the finest reputations in the industry with regard to physical production and has done an outstanding job overseeing this vital area of the production process. He has worked with many of today's top filmmakers and has helped them to achieve their production goals in the most efficient manner."

Dick Cook, chairman of the Walt Disney Motion Picture Group, noted: "What makes Bruce unique in production is his talents and background as a filmmaker. He has been involved in virtually all aspects of production and is an accomplished producer/director in his own right." Vet exec

For the past four years, Hendricks has served as executive VP in charge of production for the motion picture division of the Walt Disney Studios. Prior to that, he was senior VP of the division. He began his association with Disney in 1985 as associate producer and production manager for the "Disney Sunday Movie."

Prior to joining Disney, Hendricks worked in a variety of capacities, including producing the short-lived ABC series "Me and Mom," as well as various telepics .

Most recently, he has directed an episode of "Beyond Belief" (for Fox Television and Dick Clark Prods.), a short film for the Starlight Children's Foundation and second unit for Touchstone Pictures' upcoming Rob Schneider comedy "Deuce."