J. D. Beaufils joins PorchLight Ent. as vp, international sales. Based in Los Angeles, he will work closely with Adam Wright, PorchLight's svp, international sales. His territories include key European and Asian territories.
"J.D. 's extensive experience in contracts and sales throughout the international marketplace makes him the right addition to the PorchLight sales team as we continue to grow its acquisition and distribution venues," Wright said.
William Baumann, PorchLight coo added, "His experience, expertise and energy, coupled with his vast knowledge of the major broadcast, DVD and film venues worldwide, make J.D. an obvious choice to enhance our already successful sales team."
Beaufils was director of international distribution at Bauer Martinez International (BMI) since Feb. 2005. He managed sales and pre-sales of domestically distributed MGM theatrical films to high-profile international distributors, as well as prepared sales estimates and talent suggestions for BMI key projects. Beaufils reached beyond his sales experience and was instrumental in helping secure $100-million in financing through pre-sales of three soon-to-be-released BMI film projects.
Before joining BMI, Beaufils was director of worldwide sales & library licensing for First Look International, (formerly Overseas Film Group). During his three-year tenure in the newly branded company, he expanded his global sales efforts to include preparing projections, estimates and sales reports, as well was a consultant within the marketing and film acquisition divisions. Additionally, he set an impressive sales track record of extensive video and television package deals from the company's library of more than 350 titles.
Fluent in English and French, he joined First Look Media/Overseas Film Group in early 2000, where he held the initial position of distribution services coordinator within the international sales division. His success in that position moved him into the international division where he, as a coordinator, worked closely with the two svps of worldwide sales. Having a successful track record, he later proved himself as a junior salesperson, closing significant deals throughout Southeast Asia.
Los Angeles-based PorchLight Ent. (www.porchlight.com) is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of family entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children's and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment execs Bruce Johnson and Baumann, PorchLight has produced the Emmy Award-winning animated series, TUTENSTEIN, for Discovery Kids and Jetix Europe, the award-winning animated children's series, JAY JAY THE JET PLANE and ADVENTURES FROM THE BOOK OF VIRTUES for PBS. It is currently co-producing ANIMALIA for the BBC, PBS, Nickelodeon and Network Ten in Australia and CBC in Canada, SECRET SATURDAYS for Cartoon Network, A TAD OF CHRISTMAS CHEER for Leapfrog, as well as more than 40 live-action and animated feature films. PorchLight has built a large and diverse distribution library of nearly 200 movies, more than 1,000 episodes of children's programs and a growing non-fiction and music library.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
