Forby joins Revolution acquisitions unit

Exec focuses on commercial pics in thriller, horror genres

By DAVID BLOOM

Revolution Studios has hired Leilani Forby as the third, and only West Coast-based, exec in its new acquisitions unit, working under former Artisan Entertainment colleague John Hegeman, who is based in New York.

Revolution partner Todd Garner and Hegeman announced the hiring, which fills out the acquisitions unit that started about two months ago. Forby will be based in Revolution's Santa Monica offices, focusing on commercial pics or those with potential for a commercial breakout, particularly in the thriller, horror and high-concept comedy genres.

"Leilani's ability to recognize, acquire and develop feature films for the mainstream audience is unparalleled in this business," Hegeman said. Forby championed such pics as "The Blair Witch Project" and "National Lampoon's Van Wilder" during her tenure at Artisan, where she started as a production intern. Her most recent position was senior veepee, film acquisitions.

"Leilani's expertise in the commercial viability of material will be a great asset," said Garner, to whom Hegeman reports. The mini-studio started by Joe Roth and partners has no titles for its exex.

"I welcome the opportunity to work with such a talented group of individuals at Revolution Studios and reuniting with John to spearhead the expansion of the company in the acquisitions market," Forby said.

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