Steve Bardwil New Legal Affairs EVP for Walt Disney Studios
The Walt Disney Studios has appointed Steve Bardwil to the newly created position of evp of legal affairs, responsible for overseeing all legal affairs for the various entertainment business units studio wide including Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, Miramax Films, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Walt Disney Feature Animation, DisneyToon Studios and Buena Vista Theatrical Group and its publishing units.
Bardwil reports to both Alan Braverman, sevp/general counsel for The Walt Disney Co. and Bernardine Brandis, evp, business and legal affairs, TWDS. Steve is a vital member of our legal team whose strong, tactical skills have been a key factor in the management of the legal affairs of our studio business, Braverman said In his expanded role with the studio, his guidance, experience and keen instincts will continue to shape our future.
Brandis added, For the past 20 years, Steve has not only been an amazing friend and colleague, but one of the most dynamic executives I have known. His ability to spot the significant legal issues as well as handle crises in a calm and deliberate way have been a tremendous asset to the studio team.
Bardwil began his 20-year Disney career as an attorney for Walt Disney Pictures. He was later promoted to vp of legal affairs for Hollywood Pictures Company, and then svp of legal affairs for the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group (which incorporated Disney, Hollywood and Touchstone film units under one entity), currently doing business as Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group. Bardwil was also involved in the Silver Screen, Touchwood and similar financing transactions; Disneys multi-picture arrangement with Pixar Animation Studios; and other co-production and co-financing deals.
Prior to joining Disney, Bardwil was an attorney at 20th Century Fox Film Corp.