Kluft cops Kimmel praiser gig

Praiser new veep of publicity

By PAMELA MCCLINTOCK

Former Universal publicist Stephanie Kluft has been named exec VP of publicity at Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, reporting directly to newly installed prexy of marketing and distribution Mark Kristol, also a former U exec.

Both posts are newly created.

Staff ramp-up comes as Sidney Kimmel commences its output deal with MGM. Kluft will develop and direct all publicity campaigns for films to be released by the Lion, as well as work on campaigns for pics the production and financing company produces with studio partners.

At Universal, Kluft served as senior VP of publicity, overseeing national campaigns for films including "Ray," "The Bourne Identity," "Meet the Fockers" and, most recently, "Munich." She left the studio earlier this year.

Previously, Kluft was director of national publicity for the Samuel Goldwyn Co.Sidney Kimmel's MGM slate will bow in April with the preem of dark comedy "Charlie Bartlett," followed by Frank Oz's "Death at a Funeral."