By MCN Editor editor@moviecitynews.com

SCREEN MEDIA VENTURES NAMES SUZANNE BLECH PRESIDENT OF SCREEN MEDIA FILMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY (August 31, 2011):  Screen Media Ventures today announced the appointment of Suzanne Blech as President of Screen Media Films.

During Blech’s more than nine years at Screen Media, she has been a driving force and instrumental in the growth of Screen Media’s theatrical and home entertainment operations and particularly acquisition of new release titles.  Blech is a seasoned leader in independent film distribution having worked earlier in her career at USA, New Line, Turner, Warner/Elektra/Atlantic and LIVE.

“Suzanne’s strategic and analytical acumen coupled with her passion for independent film and proven track record in theatrical and other platform releasing is precisely why we are proud to name her as President of SMF.” said Joe Kovacs, President Screen Media Ventures.  “After more than two decades in the indie film arena, her experience and knowledge of this industry will serve this division of our company – and, more importantly, our filmmakers – well.”

Kovacs continued, “Suzanne is a seasoned industry leader with a broad range of experience that allows her to anticipate the future of our industry.  She is uniquely positioned to ensure Screen Media Films’ growth and viability, and clearly the best choice to lead the division to the next level of domestic film distribution.”

“I look forward to continuing the further development of the company in this new role,” said Blech. “The indie distribution landscape continues to evolve and I want Screen Media to be at the forefront of that growth and expansion.  I am thrilled for Robert and his new ventures and wish him nothing but success.”

She will oversee the fall theatrical releases of the dark comedy “The Lie” and the French action thriller “L’Assault,” in addition to the release of the successful documentary (and Guinness World Record holder) “Jig” on October 4th.   Blech will also attend next week’s Toronto International Film Festival to explore possibilities for her initial slate as president.

Blech succeeds Robert Baruc, who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.

ABOUT SCREEN MEDIA

Screen Media acquires the rights to high quality, independent feature films for the US and Canada.  Screen Media’s theatrical releases include “Jig, The Irish Dance Documentary;” John Gray’s “White Irish Drinkers” starring Stephen Lang; James Ivory’s “The City of Your Final Destination,” starring Anthony Hopkins and Laura Linney; “Lymelife” and “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee” starring Robin Wright and Keanu Reeves. Since 2001, Screen Media Films has released more than 250 titles including “Noel,” starring Penelope Cruz and Susan Sarandon; “Sherrybaby,” starring Maggie Gyllenhaal; Kevin Bacon’s directorial debut, “Loverboy;” and Emmy nominated “Dog Whisperer” with Cesar Millan.

Screen Media Films is a division of Screen Media Ventures, LLC.  With a library of over 1500 motion pictures, Screen Media Ventures is one of the largest independent suppliers of high quality motion pictures to U.S. and international broadcast markets, cable networks, home video outlets and new media venues. For more information, visit www.screenmediafilms.net.

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