Prod'n vet Schwartz will ankle Miramax
Exec started as assistant to co-chairman Weinstein
Senior production exec Rick Schwartz has exited Miramax Films after a seven-year tenure to go it alone as an independent producer; he will remain involved with the company on three upcoming projects.
Schwartz started with Miramax as assistant to co-chairman Harvey Weinstein and worked his way up to senior VP of production, serving as production exec on Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York" as well as the director's upcoming "The Aviator."
He was also a production exec on Nicole Kidman vehicles "Birthday Girl," "The Others" and "The Human Stain."
Schwartz's contract with Miramax ended late last year. He left the company at the beginning of February but remains attached through Initial Entertainment Group chief Graham King to see "Aviator" through post-production.
In addition, Schwartz will work on two projects with Miramax, including the remake of hit French comedy "Tanguy," the first leading role for "Saturday Night Live" veteran Jimmy Fallon, who stars as a 28-year-old man reluctant to cut the cord with his family.
Also at Miramax is a drama adapted from a portion of Bernard Kerik's autobiography, "The Lost Son: A Life in Pursuit of Justice," dealing with the former New York City police commissioner's drug busts and undercover work. Journo Richard Regen has been attached to write the screenplay.
