Obst names Safavi veepee

Rosen, Bryce promoted

By DADE HAYES

Producer Lynda Obst has hired former Kingman Films exec Mandy Safavi as VP of development for Obst's Paramount-based company.

Safavi will help acquire and develop projects for Obst, whose credits include "Sleepless in Seattle," "Contact" and "The Fisher King."

"I'm impressed with Mandy's skills with material and talent in working with writers, which is our priority," Obst said. "I look forward to a long collaboration."

A graduate of the London School of Economics, Safavi worked in development at Kingman and also worked with writer Wesley Strick on several films, including "The Saint" and "Return to Paradise." She began her career at Interscope Communications.

In a related move, Marc Rosen has been upped from VP to senior VP of development and production. Also, Kellie Bryce has been promoted from story editor to creative executive.