Jerry Zanitsch

By VARIETY STAFF

Jerry Zanitsch, a film marketing exec and president of Marketmanis, a consulting firm specializing in theatrical, video, and TV marketing ideas, died of a heart attack April 13 at his home in Chatsworth. He was 53.

Zanitsch began his career as a marketing strategist at Cannon Pictures, where he oversaw the domestic advertising campaigns of film releases.

Later, he held VP positions at Film Venture Intl. and the Jerry Gross Organization, coordinating marketing and advertising strategies for all pictures released by both companies.

From 1986 to 1997, he was a marketing exec at New World Entertainment, responsible for domestic promotional activities for theatrical releases.

In 1994, he was made senior vice president in charge of national and international products. In addition to handling all marketing campaigns, Zanitsch topped the sales department.

Over his career, Zanitsch supervised marketing campaigns for such companies as New World Animation, Marvel Films and Genesis Entertainment, as well as the Guthy-Ranker infomercials.

Zanitsch is survived by his wife, Noel, president of production at Winn Ventures; a brother, William; and a niece and nephew.