Indie shingle Alpine Pictures has promoted John Bunzel to prexy of motion picture production.
The move reflects the company's increased activity: Alpine is prepping "Microwave Park" and will release "The Spreading Ground," starring Dennis Hopper, which it co-financed with Stonelock Pictures.
Bunzel recently served as senior veep of production and veep of development for Alpine.
Prior to joining Alpine, Bunzel served as prexy and CEO of the Los Angeles Playwrights Group from 1991-98, overseeing the development of more than 200 plays. Bunzel has also worked as a writer and producer for nearly two decades.
"Through Bunzel's efforts, Alpine Pictures has attracted a higher level of product, such as 'Microwave Park,' that serves as a new mandate for the company," said Rene Torres, prexy of Alpine Pictures Intl.
Slated for a summer 2000 start, "Microwave Park" is a police thriller written and to be directed by Eugene Hess ("Don't Do It," starring Heather Graham and Esai Morales). Pic, which Bunzel brought into the company, stars Penn and James Russo.
In 1999, Bunzel oversaw production of "The Convent" for Alpine.
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