Sony Gets Former Universal EVP Rubin

[ikbradley]

This should make for some interesting liaising between the Blu-ray and Universal camps.

Article

Sony Gets Former Universal EVP Rubin
Author: THOMAS K. ARNOLD
tarnold@questex.com
Posted: September 17, 2007
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Robert W. Rubin has joined Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) as EVP, reporting directly to division president David Bishop. Rubin will work with senior management on global strategic plans and also oversee business development and business affairs for sales, marketing and operations.

Rubin also will be responsible for the negotiation of key business transactions relating to SPHE’s relationships with the creative community, and spearhead the division’s faith-based and family entertainment initiatives, managing acquisitions and creative development of original product.

“The home entertainment industry has become a rapidly changing, global business which requires strong skills to create smart and immediate responses to new and old challenges,” Bishop said. “This includes the emergence of new technologies and the creation of resources and products to satisfy the interests of targeted and emerging special market groups.”

Bishop said Rubin’s experience in home entertainment and “broad expertise” in business affairs and production “will be especially critical as SPHE expands its family entertainment and faith-based activities through the acquisition, development and production of content for these genres.”

Before coming to Sony, Rubin held several senior executive positions at Universal Pictures, in the feature film, home entertainment and consumer products divisions. Most recently, he was EVP of Universal Worldwide Entertainment, as well as of Universal Home Entertainment Production, where he managed all aspects of the direct-to-DVD business, including the development and production of live-action and animated feature-length sequels of studio franchises such as “American Pie,” “The Land Before Time,” “Bring It On,” “Beethoven” and “Curious George.”

EDIT: Weird framing caused bad link. My bad. Thanks Glenn 22.

[lokus]

Excellent news. I'm sure he will be a much valued asset at SPHE.

[w_tanoto]

great....

[Razzy]

Originally Posted by ikbradley

This should make for some interesting liaising between the Blu-ray and Universal camps.

Let's hope. Borne Ultimatum on Blu anyone?

[E-Dogg]

Great news! Perhaps the start of a fruitful relationship with Universal pictures one day?

[msetten]

Or Rubin simply got too frustrated with Universals stuborness to stay HDDVD only and went to Sony. Who know what his real reasons are?

[SS316SRV]

Has there been anymore rumblings of Universal going neutral, or is it just wishful thinking at this point?

[Bombthroat]

Originally Posted by SS316SRV

Has there been anymore rumblings of Universal going neutral, or is it just wishful thinking at this point?

My guess is that nothing is going to happen on any side until after the holidays. Sales in Q4 should paint a strong picture as to where things will be heading.

[SolidBlu]

Originally Posted by msetten

Or Rubin simply got too frustrated with Universals stuborness to stay HDDVD only and went to Sony. Who know what his real reasons are?

i strongly agree on this...

[glenn22]

Am I the only one that got redirected to the wrong place with the link given? here is the link I used:

http://www.homemediamagazine.com/new...ticle_id=11213

[Iceman_II]

Anyone have a clue to how he departed Universal? Was it an amicable parting, or maybe he was "asked" to leave because he didn't tow the company line...

[Esox50]

Now the evil BDA and Sony will have insight into the inside workings of what is really going over at Universal. Just a joke.

I don't think this means anything other than Sony is aggressively stocking talent for help with their own worldwide vision for Home Entertainment (i.e. Blu-Ray).

[TruBlu2]

Universal has already expressed interest in releasing in BD. Not till 1Q08.

This guy may have anticipated the move and went to Sony to join the WINNING team of Blu-ray. It would make sense, going where the action (market) is. He is taking the next step.

[WickyWoo]

People move around the studios all the time. It's nothing to read into

[Bullseye]

Did this guy ever make public comments goor or bad about Blu Ray?

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by WickyWoo

People move around the studios all the time. It's nothing to read into

Agreed!

I am unsure if this will have any effect if at all on any future shuffles between the camps and their exclusive supporters/

Pro-B

[spam.curitiba]

Originally Posted by TruBlu2

Universal has already expressed interest in releasing in BD. Not till 1Q08.

This guy may have anticipated the move and went to Sony to join the WINNING team of Blu-ray. It would make sense, going where the action (market) is. He is taking the next step.

where did you hear this?