AFI BLOG: Media and Technology

The Hollywood Reporter

Newly created position to oversee digital distribution for all divisions

Lionsgate has hired longtime CinemaNow CEO Curt Marvis as president of digital media, a newly created position at the studio.

Marvis will oversee digital distribution at all Lionsgate divisions including home entertainment, television, film and music and the company’s stakes in online video hub Break.com, multiplatform brand FearNet and the premium cable venture recently announced with Viacom, MGM and Paramount.

Marvis, who co-founded CinemaNow nine years ago, will remain chairman of the online movie download service. He is expected to name his replacement shortly.

Lionsgate did not have to look far for a top digital exec; the company has been a lead investor in CinemaNow since its start in 1999. Lionsgate co-chairman/CEO Jon Feltheimer and vice chairman Michael Burns, who serve on CinemaNow’s board, asked that he come aboard as the need for a dedicated executive in the sector became apparent.

“There was an opportunity too good to be true for me to come aboard and help Lionsgate exploit their businesses in the world of digital,” said Marvis, who will report to Feltheimer and Steve Beeks, president and COO of Lionsgate.