Friedlander tapped Fine Line VP

Exec met challenge of developing efficient distrib operations, Ordesky sez

By DADE HAYES

Steven Friedlander, an 11-year veteran of sales and distribution at New Line and Fine Line, has been promoted to exec VP of distribution at Fine Line.

After joining New Line's sales force in 1989, Friedlander became Fine Line's senior VP of distribution in 1996.

"Steven has met the challenge of developing a highly efficient distribution operation for the company in a competitive environment," Fine Line prexy Mark Ordesky said. "I am confident his distribution savvy and experience will position Fine Line for continued success."

A Gotham native with a B.A. in film and television from NYU, Friedlander started his career at Fox.

In 1999, he shepherded Fine Line releases such as "Trick" and "Tumbleweeds."

The specialty outfit's top pics in 2000 include "Saving Grace," a Sundance fave starring Brenda Blethyn; "Dancer in the Dark," directed by Lars von Trier; and "State and Main," a David Mamet-helmed satire starring Alec Baldwin, Sarah Jessica Parker and William H. Macy.