Posted: Tue., Mar. 4, 2008, 4:23pm PT

William J. Moraskie dies at 82

Exec handled distribution for CIC, UIP, Carolco

Veteran international film distribution exec William J. Moraskie died March 2 in Boynton Beach, Fla. following a brief illness. He was 82.

Moraskie handled distribution and international sales exec for companies including CIC, UIP, Cannon Films and Carolco Pictures after launching his distribution career in Mexico and South America.

Born in Mt. Carmel, Penn., he served with the U.S. Navy and graduated Penn State U. and the Thunderbird School of Intl. Management.

He began his career with Columbia Pictures in 1951 serving as a manager in Chile, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Cuba and Puerto Rico. During the 1960s, he worked for Mark IV Productions and American International Pictures out of Mexico City. Moraskie was active in the American Film Marketing Assn., where he served on the board.

Most recently he was V.P. of international sales with Los Angeles-based Cappella Films.

Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kay; two daughters; a son, Mike, a distribution exec; nine grandchildren; a brother and a sister. Donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tn. 38105.


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