Miramax exec Rich to MGM/UA
The move gives Rich responsibility over the worldwide theatrical marketing of all MGM/UA product, and fits another piece in the corporate puzzle under chairman and chief executive officer Frank G. Mancuso.
Rich takes marketing responsibilities over from MGM/UA executive veepee Ashley Boone, who presided over both distribution and marketing after the exit of marketing president Greg Morrison in June.
Boone will continue to look after distribution of MGM/UA for the rest of the year, but it is widely believed that MGM/UA wants to name another head of distribution prior to the expiration of Boone's contract at the end of the year.
As senior veepee of marketing for Miramax, Rich cut his teeth with two of the most marketing-minded proprietors in the specialized movie world -- company co-chairmen Harvey and Bob Weinstein. He was involved in such campaigns as "The Crying Game,""Reservoir Dogs,""Strictly Ballroom,""Enchanted April,""Passion Fish" and "Bob Roberts."
Rich will continue under contract to Miramax through Dec. 31. He plans to finish up work on such coming pics as "The Piano" and the widening of "Farewell My Concubine" before leaving.
The first pictures Rich will be involved with at MGM/UA are "Clean Slate, ""Blown Away" and "Getting Even with Dad."
"MGM/UA is going to be positioned as a major force in the industry," Rich said. "It's an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Miramax said it is in the process of interviewing potential New York-based marketing executives to replace Rich.
"If Jerry had not received this offer, we were discussing his staying on the West Coast in a co-marketing capacity working with the New York hire," a statement from a Miramax spokesperson said.
