Gaumont hires from MarVista for sales

Narcos producer Gaumont Television has appointed a MarVista Entertainment executive as its president of worldwide distribution.

Vanessa Shapiro

Vanessa Shapiro will report directly to vice-CEO Christophe Riandee, dividing her time between the company’s Paris and LA offices.

Shapiro will be responsible for the worldwide sales and distribution of Gaumont Television’s entire catalogue, including drama series, animation titles and French series.

She will also oversee new and existing business development, sales, pre-sales and coproductions, as well as managing the marketing needs for the firm.

Erik Pack previously held the title of president of international distribution and production but Gaumont has not yet commented on the future of his role or stated whether Shapiro is a direct replacement.

Shapiro’s new colleagues will include Gene Stein, president of Gaumont Television US; Nicolas Atlan, president of Gaumont Animation; and Isabelle DeGeorges, the firm’s senior VP of France.

Elizabeth Dreyer, senior VP of European coproductions; Hana Zidek, VP of international distribution; and Nicola Andrews, VP of international distribution, will now report to Shapiro.

“Given all of our recent activity on both the drama and animation fronts, coupled with the fact that Gene and Nicolas are both in LA, we decided to move our sales and distribution from London to LA,” said Riandee.

“Vanessa is the perfect hire for this position given her outstanding track record and 20-plus years of experience, her solid and longstanding relationships around the world, and her strong financial background.”

Shapiro was previously executive VP of distribution Marvista Entertainment, a position she had held since 2007.

Prior to MarVista, she was with Sony Pictures Entertainment from 1997 to 2007, where she held numerous roles throughout her tenure, ultimately serving as director of worldwide pay television.

Last October, the animation division of Gaumont reorganised its Paris-based office.