Coleman's mane man at Lion prod'n

Exec has o'seen new Bond pic, 'Windtalkers,' 'Igby Goes Down'

By DAVID BLOOM

Coleman

Jeff Coleman has been promoted to exec veepee of worldwide feature physical production by MGM Pictures and United Artists, overseeing all aspects of production from inception to post for the sibling studios. He will report jointly to prexys Michael Nathanson of MGM and Bingham Ray of UA.

In his new post, Coleman essentially replaces Bob Relyea, who was president of physical production before he left the studio at the end of last year.

"Jeff is a consummate professional with an inherent passion for filmmaking and a demonstrated ability to lead," Nathanson said. "His prolific background, talents and expertise make him uniquely deserving to oversee our feature production efforts as MGM forges ahead in assembling one of its most ambitious and compelling film slates to date."

Ray said the revived UA also will work closely with Coleman on its expanded slate.

"As UA continues to work to distinguish itself creatively and commercially within the independent film community, we will look to Jeff's wealth of experience and exceptional instincts to assist us in delivering what we expect will be distinctive, high-quality productions."

Coleman already has overseen a number of recent MGM and UA projects, including the next Bond pic, "Die Another Day," along with John Woo-helmed "Windtalkers," "Barbershop," "Igby Goes Down," "A Guy Thing" and more.

He most recently was senior veepee of production and began his MGM career in 1994 as a veepee of production. He previously spent 16 years with Par's Motion Picture Group, advancing to vice president of feature production administration.