Robert Wherry, former managing director and head of East Coast sales for bicoastal HKM Productions, has become a partner in bicoastal Go Film, the shop founded by Jonathan Weinstein.
Additionally, another director is expected to sign with the company imminently, bringing Go Films roster to five. Currently, the company reps directors Caitlin Felton, Gary McKendry, Frank W. Ockenfels 3 and Michael Shapiro. Weinstein and Wherry declined to identify the helmer whos about to come on board.
Weinstein and Wherry refer to themselves simply as partners, reserving the executive producer title for Preston Lee, who is based out of Go Films Venice, Calif., office, and has been working with Weinstein since the days of Sticks and Stones, a bicoastal predecessor to Go Film that Weinstein renamed following the departure of partner/director Blair Hayes (5/28/99, p. 7). Hayes now maintains his own entity, The Hayes Office, Santa Monica.
Both Weinstein and Wherry are based on the East Coast, but will split their time between New York and California. Their primary focus is managing directors careers and finding the best creative. Weinstein explained that the reason theyre calling themselves partners is because they will share responsibilities across the board, from production to managing sales reps.
Wherry considered several career options after exiting HKM on March 31, but was ultimately drawn to Go Film because of his respect for Weinstein and the opportunity to be part of something more entrepreneurial. Wherry, whod come aboard HKM to head up the newly-launched New York office (SHOOT, 10/6/95, p. 1), amicably parted ways with the company because wed accomplished what wed set out to accomplish, and I needed to take the next step.
Weinstein cited the similar career backgrounds he and Wherry share as an advantage. As a team, we just compounded our strength, Weinstein said. Both Weinstein and Wherry have extensive experience in sales and production. Weinstein previously ran his own repping firm Yakkity-Yak from 93 to 99. Prior to his tenure at HKM, Wherry spent five years as national head of sales for the now defunct U.S. operation of London-based production house BFCS. He also served as BFCS rep on the East Coast and in Detroit.
Weinstein sought a partner because of Go Films development and changes within the industry. The companys grown, and theres a lot of things I want to do within the industry, he said. A lot of doors are opening up, in terms of interactive work and new media. To have your hand on the pulse and know whats going on out there, its hard to go it alone.
Go Film is represented on the East Coast by New York-based Chris Messiter, Ann McKallagat and Barrie Isaacson; and on the West Coast by Los Angeles-based Lisa Giminez. The company is currently in the process of securing a new Midwest rep.
