MUMBAI: Fox Filmed Entertainment's new teen and young adult focussed creative content division president Peter Rice has announced that John Hegeman, former Lions Gate Entertainment president worldwide marketing will be that division's COO.
In his new role, Hegeman alongside Rice, will manage all aspects of the company, including production, acquisitions, marketing and distribution.
Charged with producing and acquiring up to eight films, the new division is focused on a mix of genres, including comedy, action, thriller and drama, featuring unique, cutting-edge voices. Additionally, the division will create new media content for internet, mobile devices and other emerging technologies.
It will work closely with the newly formed Fox Interactive Media and their brands, My Space and IGN. The division will have its own production and marketing staffs, while distribution is handled by Twentieth Century Fox.
Rice says, "John is an exceptional, creative executive who has broken new ground and enjoyed wild success throughout his career; especially during the past two years at Lions Gate. We are thrilled to have him join us here at Fox as we embark on our exciting new venture."
Hegeman says, "Young adults are such a sharp, intelligent audience. It is going to be a lot of fun joining Peter in trying to deliver unique and immersive entertainment to them."
Hegeman is an industry veteran who recently spearheaded marketing campaigns for a string of Lions Gate box office successes, including one of the best films of last year Crash, and the horror hits Saw and Saw II. His marketing campaigns played a role in launching Lions Gate franchises built around the Saw films which marked the biggest opening gross in Lions Gate history.
Hegeman initially earned international acclaim for his pioneering use of the Internet and other innovative marketing techniques to help create the 1999 box office blockbuster The Blair Witch Project. In May 2005, Hegeman was named Entertainment Marketer of the Year by Ad Age magazine.