Fox looking for European Co-productions
In interesting news for Irish producers, 20th Century Fox International has appointed a new executive whose primary aim will be to search for local-language co-productions throughout Europe.Teresa Moneo has been appointed Head of European Co-productions and has previously been responsible for acquiring THE OTHERS and LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL. Moneo's plans are to partner up with local producers to take advantage of the growing market for locally produced product and to utilise their own distribution infrastructures to do so.
Full article courtesy of www.variety.com.
VARIETY
Posted: Thurs., Oct. 16, 2003, 5:25pm PT
Fox puts Moneo on Euro co-prod'ns
London-based exec will report to Grass, Safford
Expanding on its strategy to co-produce local-language films throughout Europe, 20th Century Fox Intl. has appointed Teresa Moneo head of European co-productions, a newly created position.
In her new capacity, Moneo will spearhead Fox's foreign-language production and acquisition activities in that region. Based in Fox's London office, Moneo will report to senior VP for Europe Christian Grass and senior veep of acquisitions Tony Safford.
Moneo left her post as Miramax senior VP of European co-productions in December.
Homegrown appeal
Grass said Fox planned to "partner with producers and creative talent in local markets, and (to) utilize our marketing and distribution infrastructures. There is a growing appetite for local production, and a combination of our capabilities and locally diverse film properties will serve that market."
During Moneo's tenure at Miramax, she was responsible for the acquisition of a host of internationally successful foreign-language films, including Walter Salles Jr.'s Oscar-winning "Central Station" and Tomas Gutierrez Alea and Juan Carlos Tabio's Oscar-nominated "Strawberry and Chocolate." Most recently, she exec produced Stephen Frears' "Dirty Pretty Things" and Giuseppe Tornatore's "Malena."
"Europe has long been rich in talent, and we are hopeful that Teresa will help us to find those pictures that Fox can distribute locally and potentially cross over to (the rest of) Europe," said Safford.
"Theresa brings a rich background and understanding of these markets, having been responsible for acquiring Alejandro Amenabar's 'The Others' and Roberto Benigni's 'Life Is Beautiful.' We also look forward to utilizing Teresa's experience to tap into the European talent and production pool."
Border crossings
"More and more, we've witnessed not only the success of local films in their own market," said Jim Tauber, exec VP of acquisitions and co-production for Fox, "but the ability of these films to travel and perform on a global basis -- and in certain cases be remade into other languages."
Fox has of late been particularly active in the international acquisition, co-production and distribution biz. In Latin America, it was the distrib, through acquisition and co-production, of pics like "Y tu mama tambien" and "Sex, Shame and Tears." In Brazil, it distribbed "Lisbela and the Prisoner" and in Asia, Zhang Yimou's Oscar hopeful "Hero."
Fox also has distrib arrangements with Paco Ramos' Alquimia Cinema in Spain and Splendid and Prokino in Germany and a theatrical joint venture with UGC in France. It has just completed "Io No," a co-production in Italy with Blu Cinemafotografica.