Jay Kenny, executive producer and one time VP of New York-based commercial/ film production company Screen Gems, died March 11 from medical complications brought on by AIDS. He was 40.
Kenny came to Screen Gems as a summer intern in 78 while studying at Adelphi University, Garden City, N.Y., and after graduating, joined Screen Gems full time. Within two years the young Kenny became director of business affairs and in 83, at the age of 25, was promoted to VP of Screen Gems and continued in this capacity for the next four years.
At 29, Kenny left the VP post to follow his love of production while continuing at Screen Gems. He began executive producing for many Screen Gems directors, notably David Elliot, Lee Smith, Barbara Campbell, Mike Zingale and David Steinberg, among others.
In 85, Kenny formed his own commercial production satellite, Smith & Company, through Screen Gems with partner Lee Smith and a series of directors. As executive producer of the satellite, Kenny handled a great deal of production for a large group of agencies and was considered one of the best international producers in the industry.
Kenny took a brief hiatus from Screen Gems in 95 to serve as an associate creative director for Jacksonville, Fla.-based agency Husk Jennings Communications and then returned to New York as executive producer at Screen Gems.
Jay Kenny was a unique man who was totally absorbed in the industry. He made many friends and his untimely death was a great loss to Screen Gems and the industry, said George Cooney, CEO of Screen Gems.
Kenny is survived by his parents William and Bette, sisters Carol Ann, Marilee and Christine, nephew Jake, niece Caitlin, and two brothers in law. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Broadway Cares Equities Fights AIDS, (212) 840-0770 or the American Foundation for AIDS Research, (212) 806-1600.
