January 2008
CULVER CITY, Calif.,- Steven Bersch has been named President of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group (SPWAG). The announcement was made by Peter Schlessel, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s (SPE) President of Worldwide Affairs, to whom Bersch will report.
Bersch will oversee SPWAG’s acquisition and co-financing of pictures for various Sony Pictures distribution platforms. He will also take over management of Stage 6 Films, SPWAG’s label for its program of original, high concept, and cast driven films.
Bersch comes to Sony from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, where he was Chief Operating Officer and ran its acquisition program and its DVD Premiere production unit, a rapidly growing business he launched for Fox in 2004.
In making the announcement, Schlessel stated, “SPWAG has a strong commitment to independent films, and our third-party business is a significant contributor to the growth of Sony Pictures.
By placing an exceptionally talented and respected entertainment executive like Steve at the helm of this business, SPWAG’s strong performance and ongoing success are ensured. I am delighted to welcome Steve to the Sony family.” Bersch fills the position held by Schlessel prior to his recent promotion.
Added Bersch: “I am extremely excited about this opportunity to be part of Sony Pictures and to build upon SPWAG’s unique, 20-year-plus legacy of acquiring and producing outstanding content – both theatrical and non-theatrical. Peter has put together one of the smartest teams in the entertainment business led by Senior Executive Vice President and General Manager Adrian Alperovich, and I look forward to working with this exceptional group of creative executives.”
Bersch’s experience includes executive stints at four major studios including Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., and MGM/UA.
During his 14 years at Twentieth Century Fox, he held senior executive positions including President of Fox Interactive and Executive Vice-President of Business Affairs, where he headed business affairs for all Twentieth Century Fox theatrical divisions.
Bersch started his career as an entertainment attorney at Rosenfeld, Meyer and Susman and then Sidley & Austin representing producers, writers, directors, actors and film financiers.
He received a J.D. and a B.S. in business with honors from the University of California at Berkeley. Bersch is also a member of the Executive Branch of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
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