Disney Vet Hausfater To Co-Head Miramax Int’l
By sbaisley
Created 09/30/2003 - 00:00
Industry veteran Jere Hausfater has joined Miramax Films as evp/co-head of Miramax International. Based in Los Angeles, Hausfater will report to Miramax Films coo Rick Sands, and will work alongside Stuart Ford in heading Miramax International. He will also work in conjunction with Agnes Mentre, who heads Miramax’s acquisitions group, to acquire product for sale and distribution outside of North America. Additionally, Hausfater’s business affairs background will be tapped to help Miramax develop European co-financing structures.
“Jere’s extensive studio and independent experiences will prove to be a tremendous asset to Miramax in its quest for continued growth,” said Sands. “He and Stuart will be partners in all aspects of Miramax International from sales and distribution to marketing and publicity. In addition, Jere will focus on expanding home video and television activities, working closely with Colleen Seldin, vp of international finance and operations.”
Hausfater said he hopes to diversify opportunities at Miramax by being a sales agent of third party films that are looking for distribution on a worldwide basis.
Hausfater was president of Intermedia Film’s Motion Picture Group, where he was responsible for worldwide distribution, marketing and acquisitions. Projects included THE QUIET AMERICAN, IRIS, K-19: THE WIDOWMAKER, ADAPTATION, MINDHUNTERS and RESIDENT EVIL.
Previously, Hausfater was evp of Walt Disney Studios where he acquired and sold more than 250 motion pictures for various distribution rights throughout the world. During his tenure, he launched Buena Vista Film Sales, the first in-house sales company at any major film studio. Hausfater also started the U.K. Comedy Label for Buena Vista International, which will offer the soon-to-be released CALENDAR GIRLS. Additionally, he oversaw two feature films for Buena Vista Pictures, GUNSHY (starring Liam Neeson and Sandra Bullock) and DUETS (starring Gwyneth Paltrow).
Hausfater has a long-standing history with Miramax Films, dating back to Disney’s acquisition of the company. He worked as one of Disney’s liaisons, jointly acquiring films such as THE CROW, THE PIANO, SHINE, KOLYA and MURIEL’S WEDDING.
Before his 14-year run at The Walt Disney Co., Hausfater oversaw the business affairs department of Media Home Ent. and, prior to that, was vp of business affairs for K-Tel Entertainment, Inc. He also served exec stints in the music industry – MCA Records, Inc., ABC Records, Inc. and United Artists Records/Blue Note Records.
