Colin Vaines joins GK Films

Co-president will work alongside Gail Lyons

By ADAM DAWTREY

Colin Vaines has ankled as the London-based exec VP of European production for the Weinstein Co. to move to Los Angeles as co-president of production for Graham King's GK Films.

Vaines will work alongside Gail Lyons, the company's existing production co-prexy. She will continue to spearhead GK's development, packaging and pre-production, while Vaines will take over the lead creative role when pics move into production.

Vaines was one of Harvey and Bob Weinstein's key lieutenants starting in 1999, when he joined Miramax as exec VP of development, based in New York. He moved back to his native England in 2002 as Miramax's exec VP of European production and development, and then segued to the same role at the Weinstein Co. in 2005.

While at Miramax, he co-executive produced Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York," which was co-financed by King's Initial Entertainment Group, as well as serving as exec in charge of production for Anthony Minghella's "Cold Mountain."

King commented, "Since first working with Colin on 'Gangs of New York,' I have been consistently impressed with his unrelenting eye for detail during production and beyond.

GK Films is shooting "The Young Victoria" in the U.K. King is set to produce "Shantaram," starring Johnny Depp, through his production deal with Warner, in partnership with Infinitum Nihil and Plan B. He's also prepping "Sasha's Story: The Life," "Death of a Russian Spy," "Dark Shadows" and "The Rum Diary."

Vaines headed production and development for the Film Consortium before joining Miramax. At the Weinstein Co., he was exec producer of "Miss Potter" and "Breaking and Entering."

King launched GK Films with partner Tim Headington earlier this year. He also remains a partner in Initial.

TWC intends to hire a senior London-based exec to replace Vaines in shepherding its active slate of Euro projects. It's currently in post on Minghella's "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency," started shooting last week in Berlin on Stephen Daldry's "The Reader," and is developing projects including "I Don't Know How She Does It" and "Four Knights."

Harvey Weinstein said, "Colin is an incredible asset who consistently contributed to our sustained success at Miramax and TWC. While we will miss our colleague and his impeccable advice, after eight years working for us, the time has come for him to move on to the next challenge and pursue this incredible opportunity with Graham in L.A."