Blockbuster hires WB's Calman

Exec named VP of studio relations, new media

By DADE HAYES

Calman

Seeking closer ties with Hollywood as part of its ongoing makeover, Blockbuster has hired longtime Warner Bros. exec Jeffrey Calman as VP of studio relations and new media.

Calman, who will be based in L.A. in the newly created post, will lead the vidtailer's efforts to acquire digital content.

In more than two decades at Warners, Calman racked up a lot of experience across the video-on-demand, cable distribution and antipiracy sectors. In the studio's homevid division, he was most recently exec veep of VOD and electronic sell-through.

Calman transitioned a couple of years ago to a stint as a consultant, working for companies such as the Weinstein Co., Genius Products and ViewNow.