Rob Friedman

Rob Friedman, 2012

Rob Friedman is the Co-Chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, overseeing all aspects of Lionsgate’s domestic and international feature film acquisition, production and distribution as well as the home entertainment releases of theatrical feature films.[1] Friedman joined Lionsgate in January 2012 following the company’s acquisition of the worldwide filmed entertainment studio Summit Entertainment[2] where he served as the Co-Chairman and CEO since 2007.[3]

Friedman started his career in 1970 in the mailroom at Warner Bros. Studios and in the subsequent 27 years he held many posts ultimately rising to become the studio's President of Worldwide Advertising and Publicity.[4]

In 1997, Friedman moved to Paramount Pictures as Vice Chairman of the Paramount Motion Pictures Group. In 2000, he also added the role Chief Operating Officer, ultimately overseeing seven divisions.[5] He created the studio's specialty film division then known as Paramount Classics.[6] Friedman also served on the Board of Directors of UIP, the joint international distribution venture between Paramount and Universal Studios, and Movie Link, one of the internet's first legal film download to view sites.[7]

Professional honors and awards

In November 2010, Friedman was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year in the Media, Entertainment and Communications category for his work in creating Summit.[8] Friedman is on the Board of Directors of the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation[9] and a supporter of the Special Olympics movement, having served on the Special Olympics Southern California Board (SOSC) as well as the international Board of Directors for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.[10] In addition, Friedman is a Founding Member of the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games Organizing Committee for which he currently serves as Chairman of the Board and played a role in bringing the 2015 World Games to Los Angeles.[11] In 2011, Friedman was selected by SOSC as the Honoree at the 15th annual Pier Del Sol.[12] Friedman is also a member of the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences.[13]

References

  1. ↑ Finke, Nikki (January 19, 2012). "Rob Friedman & Patrick Wachsberger Sign Lionsgate Employment Contracts; Joe Drake Stays To Run ‘The Hunger Games’". Deadline.
  2. ↑ Fritz, Ben (January 14, 2012). "Lions Gate to acquire Summit". Los Angeles Times.
  3. ↑ Swanson, Tim (April 19, 2007). "Summit Entertainment's $1 Billion Deal". Portfolio.
  4. ↑ "Record Summer for Movies". Associated Press. September 6, 1989.
  5. ↑ Dunkley, Cathy (January 13, 2002). "Par pumps exec duet". Variety.
  6. ↑ McNary, Dave (July 12, 2005). "Par's Grey area". Variety.
  7. ↑ Petrikin, Chris (October 14, 1999). Variety http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117756685. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  8. ↑ "Robert Friedman, 2010 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Media, Entertainment & Communications winner". Ernst & Young YouTube. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
  9. ↑ "Board of Directors - Advisory Members". Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation.
  10. ↑ Cohn, Beverly. "Special Olympics Holding its 15th Annual Pier del Sol Event". Splash Magazine.
  11. ↑ "Games Organizing Committee". 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
  12. ↑ "Pier del Sol Viva la Fiesta".
  13. ↑ Stringer, Mike. "The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Introduces Four New Governors". A&E Playground. Retrieved June 27, 2011.