Tom Cruise has landed his first big catch as the new boss of Charlie Chaplin's United Artists studio - former Disney publicity guru Dennis Rice. Rice has confirmed he's giving up his "dream job" at Disney to join Cruise and producing partner Paula Wagner at UA. He says, "What Tom and Paula are doing at UA is nothing less than pioneering a new approach to moviemaking that will build on a 90-year tradition." Cruise made headlines when he took over United Artists last year after parting company with Paramount over a bust-up with media mogul Sumner Redstone. The new UA plans to release its first film, political drama Lions For Lambs, this November.
- 4/6/2007
- WENN
Dennis Rice has been named United Artists' new president of worldwide marketing and publicity, CEO Paula Wagner said Wednesday.
Rice has served two stints at Walt Disney Studios, most recently as head of publicity at Buena Vista Pictures Marketing. His move caught several of his colleagues by surprise and was viewed as a signal that Wagner and her business partner Tom Cruise are serious about turning UA into a competitive boutique studio.
Rice, who will report to Wagner, will oversee all aspects of UA's marketing and publicity efforts for its theatrical releases, home video and other ancillary markets worldwide. He also will work closely with MGM, which will be distributing UA's films, where he will be reteaming with MGM COO Rick Sands and domestic theatrical marketing president Perry Stahman -- Rice, Sands and Stahman are all alumni of Miramax Films.
Rice's appointment comes as UA, which is now co-owned by Cruise, Wagner and MGM, is ramping up operations.
Rice has served two stints at Walt Disney Studios, most recently as head of publicity at Buena Vista Pictures Marketing. His move caught several of his colleagues by surprise and was viewed as a signal that Wagner and her business partner Tom Cruise are serious about turning UA into a competitive boutique studio.
Rice, who will report to Wagner, will oversee all aspects of UA's marketing and publicity efforts for its theatrical releases, home video and other ancillary markets worldwide. He also will work closely with MGM, which will be distributing UA's films, where he will be reteaming with MGM COO Rick Sands and domestic theatrical marketing president Perry Stahman -- Rice, Sands and Stahman are all alumni of Miramax Films.
Rice's appointment comes as UA, which is now co-owned by Cruise, Wagner and MGM, is ramping up operations.
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.