M'max plugs Pflug, Hiltzik for PR effort
Duo join Lundberg to spearhead publicity machine
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The moves establish a new troika to spearhead Miramax's publicity machine: Pflug will assume the top West Coast position, working in close collaboration with Hiltzik and with exec VP of worldwide publicity Amanda Lundberg, who continues to oversee feature release and awards campaigns.
Pflug reports directly to co-chairmen Bob and Harvey Weinstein and chief operating officer Rick Sands. Pflug will manage Miramax's corporate profile and communications strategies within the entertainment, consumer and business communities on a global level, as well as overseeing the West Coast publicity team on theatrical releases and consulting on homevid and television initiatives.
"As Miramax continues to grow and evolve, we have been looking for someone like Paul to help enhance our strategic corporate communications activities, as well as our publicity efforts on the West Coast," said Harvey Weinstein. "Paul's breadth of experience and strategic thinking combined with his relationships and standing within the media community make him the right individual to help us accomplish our goals."
Pflug's appointment fills a long-standing gap for a senior Miramax publicity presence on the West Coast since the mid-2002 departure of veteran L.A.-based exec VP Janet Hill.
Hiltzik was promoted from VP, corporate communications. He joined Miramax in 1999 and has been a key behind-the-scenes liaison with Harvey Weinstein, a role to be reinforced by his additional responsibilities with the company's philanthropic, political and community activities. This expanded sphere draws on Hiltzik's pre-Miramax background in law and politics, including a stint as press secretary and deputy exec director of the New York State Democratic Committee.
"Matthew's character, commitment and versatility have enabled him to work very effectively with many of our executives on a wide range of Miramax projects," said Weinstein.
Oscar campaigner
Hiltzik will continue overseeing many of Miramax's daily corporate communications concerns and will work with Pflug on the development of long-range corporate strategies. He also remains involved with Miramax Films' publicity and Oscar campaigns, reporting to Lundberg.
Before his four-year tenure at Artisan, first as senior VP then exec VP, national publicity and corporate communications, Pflug was a partner at national corporate and entertainment PR/marketing firm Bragman Nyman Cafarelli.
In another Miramax PR move, Karen Paul, longtime senior VP of publicity, has ankled her Los Angeles-based position.
