JIM SHERRY LAUNCHES NEW CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION COMPANY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Toronto, August 25, 2009 – – Film distribution veteran JIM SHERRY today announced that he has launched a new, boutique motion picture distribution company called D FILMS, which will acquire and release diverse and distinctive quality films with universal appeal to Canadian audiences. 


Well known for his extensive knowledge and expertise in film distribution, Sherry has reteamed with one of Canada’s most respected film industry veterans, TONY CIANCIOTTA, who will spearhead acquisitions at D FILMS and will also lend his considerable expertise to the development and implementation of marketing and release strategies.


Sherry and Cianciotta, who formerly worked together at Motion Picture Distribution (MDP) and Maple Pictures, will focus on making D FILMS a filmmaker-friendly environment that nurtures emerging talent and champions the best in motion pictures from Canada and around the world. The full-service marketing and distribution company will acquire long term rights to films across all platforms, including theatrical, television, home entertainment and internet.


"I’m very excited to launch this new boutique distribution company and to continue working with some of the best filmmakers and films from around the world,” said Sherry. “Complementing our films and filmmakers, and not just servicing their films, is the ambition of our organization."


"This is a great opportunity" said Cianciotta. “I’m very happy to be working with Jim again. We’ve always had a great relationship, based on admiration and respect.  We’re both passionate about film and we believe this is a perfect time to launch D FILMS in the Canadian marketplace. I look forward to building our slate of high-quality films.” 


Sherry was most recently co-president of Maple Pictures where he was very active in acquiring high profile titles, such as George Clooney starrer Men Who Stare at Goats, as well as securing a highly sought after long-term output deal with Miramax Films.  Prior to that, he was executive managing director of distribution at MDP and Alliance Atlantis Corporation for nearly ten years.  Before moving to Toronto in 1998 to oversee theatrical distribution activities for Alliance, Sherry was vice-president and general sales manager at Miramax Films in New York, reporting directly to Miramax co-founders Bob and Harvey Weinstein.  In addition to his new role as President of D FILMS, he continues to serve Maple Pictures as a senior consultant.


Throughout his long and distinguished career in Canada, Cianciotta played a key role in establishing Alliance Releasing (now Alliance Films) as a major force in Canadian distribution. During his tenure, he was responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with key US suppliers, such as New Line and Miramax.  He was previously Senior Vice-President at exhibition chain Cineplex Odeon (now Cineplex Entertainment) and was also Vice-President and General Manager of Twentieth Century–Fox, Canada.  Cianciotta most recently worked with Sherry as a consultant at Maple Pictures and prior to that at Alliance.


Sherry and Cianciotta’s combined marketing and distribution credits include some of the world’s most


successful independent films, such as Lord of the Rings, The English Patient, Shakespeare in Love, Chicago, Trainspotting, Cinema Paradiso, Life Is Beautiful, Exotica, David Cronenberg’s Crash, and many other titles.


D FILMS will be actively seeking to acquire films during the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.