MGM cues another reel

Sloan, Sands eye fresh start

By GABRIEL SNYDER

Sands

Studio and exhib consolidation has put plenty of distrib execs out of work, but the close-knit distribution community is buzzing that there may be somebody hiring in the near future: MGM.

The new MGM regime of chief exec Harry Sloan and just-hired chief operating officer Rick Sands has been hinting that the Lion will get back into production.

Starting up an independent theatrical distrib arm -- its pics currently go out through Sony -- would be a natural step if MGM ramps up its slate.

Currently, the pics in the pipeline are all sequels to MGM library titles being co-produced with Sony, including "The Pink Panther" (which opens Feb. 10), James Bond pic "Casino Royale" and "Rocky Balboa."

When he was hired, Sands said coyly, "There's a growth plan for the company... Initially, we'll start with the (intellectual property) we own."

MGM's exclusive distrib pact with Sony expires in April, the first anniversary of the deal.

With Sands enlisting as the No. 2 at MGM, speculation has centered on the possibility he would lure Mike Rudnitsky from the Weinstein Co. Both were longtime Miramax vets.

Rudnitsky signed his Weinstein Co. contract just last year, so he may not be ready to make a move.

But there's no shortage of available distrib execs. When MGM was acquired, the shuttering of the studio resulted in the departure of distribution prexy Erik Lomis.

The Paramount-DreamWorks merger resulted in the exit of former Par distrib prexy Wayne Lewellen, and more pinkslips in Par distribution are expected.

Shortly before the AMC-Loews merger, AMC's L.A.-based film buyer Richie Fay decided not to relocate to AMC's consolidated HQ in Kansas City.

And over at Loews, head film buyer Steve Bunnell also declined moving to K.C. and moved over to the Weinstein Co. to lead its theatrical distrib operations.