Digital Pioneer Cohen Joins Ascent

Steven B. Cohen, a pioneer in digital technologies used to edit and screen feature films, has joined Ascent Media Creative Services in the newly created post of vp of feature film services. In his new role, Cohen will develop leading edge digital services for use in film production; including digital dailies, location and studio screening rooms, digital cinema previews and the digital intermediate process. He will work directly with Ascent Media post-production facilities throughout the United States in implementing those services, as well as exciting proprietary solutions already in place such as UP Satellite and Breezeway for digital dailies.

"Digital technologies are bringing about a revolution in feature film post-production, and Ascent Media is committed to supporting that revolution every step of the way," said Bill Romeo, svp, sales and marketing for Ascent Media Creative Services. "Steven Cohen will play an essential role in our effort to meet the evolving needs of filmmakers and film producers in the years ahead."

"Steve has experience in aspects of feature film post that fit the thinking and direction that we are pursuing," added Stefan Sonnenfeld, svp of Business Development for Ascent Media Creative Services. "I am intrigued with the work he has done and look forward to working with him as we push forward."

Cohen previously headed Cohen Communications, a provider of HD dailies, remote collaboration and large screen HD playback systems to the feature film industry. Its digital dailies process has been used on such films as PANIC ROOM, UNDERWORLD, BIKER BOYS, MAN ON FIRE LOONEY TUNES: BACK IN ACTION, and BULLETPROOF MONK. He also consulted with director Martin Scorsese on digital screening technologies for his film THE AVIATOR.

Cohen sees his role with Ascent Media as an opportunity to apply his expertise to a broader market. "I wanted to join an organization with strong and diverse resources that support the work that I do," he said. "Ascent Media has itself been a pioneer in digital technologies and its expertise in the digital intermediate process complements the work that I have been doing in digital dailies and cinema previews."

Prior to forming Cohen Communications in 1999, Cohen served as vp, sales and development, digital post-production facilities for Sony Pictures Ent. and as director of business development for SPE's R&D facility, advanced digital systems group. He was involved in projects related to electronic cinema, digital audio archiving and Sony's Dynamic Digital Sound (SDDS).

Cohen began his career as a technician with Audio Visual Headquarters. He later worked for ABC, mixing audio for the 1984 Summer Olympics. He went onto work as an audio mixer in episodic television, including such television shows as HILL STREET BLUES, ST. ELSEWHERE, CAGNEY AND LACY and REMINGTON STEELE. In 1988 Cohen joined Lorimar Studios, where he worked in the sound department as operations manager and manager of sales and marketing.

After Sony acquired Lorimar in 1993, Cohen was named director of its Digital Picture Editorial. He led the studio in the adoption of the Avid Film Composer and Lightworks editing systems. His accomplishments there included the creation of the first network of editing systems (for the FILM HIGHER LEARNING), the digital delivery of sound and picture elements (THE NET), the first mobile networked non-linear editing system for features (ASSASSINS), and the first screening room for film and Avid output (HOUSE ARREST).

Cohen is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and American Cinema Editors, as well as SMPTE and AES.

Ascent Media Group is a provider of services to the media entertainment industry, offering clients effective solutions for the creation, management and distribution of content. A subsidiary of Liberty Media Corp. Ascent Media Group is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with more than 70 operating facilities.