In this Nov. 13, 2013 file photo, Tom Rothman arrives at the AFI Fest premiere of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" in Los Angeles. Rothman, chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, announced that Sanford Panitch has been named president of Columbia Pictures. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP, File)
NEW YORK (AP) --
Sony Pictures Entertainment has named Sanford Panitch president of Columbia Pictures, replacing Doug Belgrad.
The announcement was made Friday by Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman Tom Rothman, who took over as studio chief from Amy Pascal last year following the computer hack of Sony. Panitch has overseen international production at the studio since last June.
Rothman praises Panitch's film background and says his international expertise fits exactly with the company's "expanded global emphasis and ambitions." Rothman says Sony is "moving forward to shape the new Columbia Pictures."
The nearly 100-year-old Columbia Pictures is the most renowned division of Sony's film operations.
Belgrad is a longtime veteran of Columbia Pictures. He had been in the running for studio head following Pascal's exit. He will stay on through July.
Stadium has added director Duncan Winecoff to its roster for commercial representation in the U.S. Winecoff has directed campaigns for brands such as Porsche, BMW, Canon, Oura, Sephora, New Balance, McDonald’s and Faherty, among others.
Raised between Nova Scotia and Ojai, Calif., in a family of Tibetan Buddhists, Winecoff has a diverse background which instilled in him a profound sense of authenticity and reflection. His journey to directing began in New York City, where he explored filmmaking alongside his brother, DP and photographer Stuart Winecoff. This collaborative, self-taught foundation has shaped Duncan Winecoff’s approach, blending insight with technical skill.
Prior to joining Stadium, Winecoff had been repped by Object & Animal. He is an alum of SHOOT’s 2017 New Directors Showcase
“Duncan’s work reflects the balance we strive for at Stadium--creative that connects on a deeper level while meeting the demands of modern production,” said Samy Mosher, founder and CEO of Stadium. “He’s got the vision, versatility, and a refreshing approach that aligns perfectly with our goals to elevate every project, regardless of scale. He’s the kind of talent that instinctively enhances every script and understands the art of collaboration.”
Winecoff said, “Stadium is defining what production can mean in an era where audiences demand more connection and substance. I’m excited to be part of a team that values their role as a creative partner as much as I do and is dedicated to pushing creative boundaries while staying grounded in what the project truly needs.”
Winecoff has already been awarded multiple projects with Stadium, including a forthcoming global campaign for Callaway Golf.
