MUMBAI: News Corporation president and COO Peter Chernin said that Fox Filmed Entertainment (FFE) chairmen Tom Rothman and Jim Gianopulos have signed new five-year deals, ensuring that the successful and consistent leadership duo in the film business remains at Fox for the long term.
In addition, Gianopulos and Rothman have been named chief executive officers of FFE.
Chernin said, "Jim and Tom are two of the most passionate, intelligent and dedicated executives in this business and I could not be happier that they will continue to guide the studio. Their five year partnership has not only generated record profits for FFE, but has resulted in as dynamic a slate of films as this studio has ever seen and I look forward to working closely with them for many years to come."
Since assuming the chairmen positions in 2000, Gianopulos and Rothman have led Fox to a period of unprecedented growth and management stability. Last year marked the studios fourth consecutive record year of operating profits, its second consecutive summer as the industry leader in theatrical market share. And, bucking this past years industry trends, the studio grossed over $1 billion in domestic box office in 05 for the first time in its history.
In addition, Fox had five films surpass the $100 million mark in 2005 (Star Wars, Mr. And Mrs. Smith, Robots, Fantastic Four and Walk The Line).
During their tenure as studio chiefs, Fox has had 20 films that exceeded $100 million in domestic box office and 26 films that have exceeded $100 million in international box office, an average of better than five a year. The company has earned over $8 billion in worldwide theatrical box office in that period and almost $15 billion in worldwide home entertainment collective gross revenue. During that time, films from the companys various divisions have received over 50 Academy Award nominations.
"The job of running a studio is exciting, demanding, and sometimes makes you crazy, but it is always a privilege to be the custodian of a great companys history. Tom and I have enjoyed that privilege over the past five years, and with the superb guidance of the leadership above us, a terrific executive team, and the talented filmmakers and partners we work with, we look forward to continued success in the future," commented Gianopulos.
Rothman added, "Ask any winning coach and, if theyre honest, they will tell you they are only as good as the people they work for and the team they have. That is the case here, with the added benefit of a great partner. For the 12 years I have worked at Fox I have been blessed with the faith and guidance of Peter Chernin and Rupert Murdoch, and the support of the most talented, most stable team of senior executives in the film business. Jim and my success is theirs; we know it and are immensely grateful for it."
