Sony Pictures boss steps down
- By Zhang Rui
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail China.org.cn, February 6, 2015
Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and head of the film studio, will step down nearly three months after a massive hack attack on the group, which revealed embarrassing emails she had sent.
 |
|
Amy Pascal [File photo] |
"I have spent almost my entire professional life at Sony Pictures and I am energized to be starting this new chapter based at the company I call home," Pascal said in a statement. "I am leaving the studio in great hands."
"I have always wanted to be a producer. Michael (Lynton) and I have been talking about this transition for quite some time and I am grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to pursue my long-held dream and for providing unparalleled support," Pascal said. "I am so proud of what we have all done together and I look forward to a whole lot more."
Since Pascal has led the studio, Sony Pictures amassed over US$46 billion in global theatrical box office revenue and 315 academy award nominations. Some of the films Pascal helmed include the James Bond films, "The Da Vinci Code," "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," and "Moneyball." Her career with Sony has spanned nearly 20 years.
"The studio's legacy is due in large part to Amy's passion for storytelling and love of this industry. I am delighted that Amy will be continuing her association with SPE through this new venture, which capitalizes on her extraordinary talents," said Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton in a statement. "In recent months, SPE faced some unprecedented challenges, and I am grateful for Amy's resilience and grace during this period."
He called Pascal "a great partner to me in heading the studio" and said he would continue to have a "close working relationship with her in her new role on the lot."
As one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, Pascal will launch a major new production venture at the studio focused on movies, television and theater. Pascal will transition to the new venture in May. Sony Pictures will finance Pascal under a four-year contract and retain all distribution rights worldwide to funded films.
During the Sony hack, Pascal got into controversy for racist remarks about President Obama's presumed choice in movies that surfaced in leaked emails, some emails are highly critical of stars like Angelina Jolie. Pascal also faced criticism for approving the film that may have inspired the hacking: "The Interview," which starred Seth Rogen and James Franco as journalists tasked with killing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
"The content of my emails were insensitive and inappropriate but are not an accurate reflection of who I am," she said in a statement to apologize. "Although this was private communication that was stolen, I accept full responsibility for what I wrote and apologize to everyone who was offended."
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)