Cineflix hires Miramax sales head

UK-based distributor Cineflix Rights has appointed a senior Miramax exec to the newly created role of head of scripted.

James Durie

James Durie has joined the Cineflix ranks and will be responsible for leading the distributor’s global strategy for sales, pre-sales, acquisitions, and coproductions of scripted content. Based in London, he will report to Peter Emerson, president of Cineflix Media.

At Miramax, Durie served as VP of EMEA sales for the last six years. Prior to working at Miramax he was director of sales and business development at UK-based sports rights company Pitch International, as well as serving as European sales executive at Kays Limited.

Durie’s appointment is part of Cineflix Media’s push to increase investment across drama production.

Emerson commented: “We’re ramping up our scripted production and distribution activities, acquiring some of the most exciting new series coming to market. James’ track record and global relationships, as well as our increased investment in scripted, will enhance our competitive edge as an indie with quality dramas for platforms and broadcasters worldwide.”

Production arm Cineflix has grown its scripted activities over the last two years with eight series currently in production including Coroner (16×60’), narco-drama Pure (12×60’), Wynonna Earp (49×60’), spy thriller Mirage (6×60’) and crime thriller Marcella (24×60’).

Additionally, Cineflix Rights recently acquired the 10×45’ Canadian series Happily Married (C’est Comme Ça Que Je T’aime) from Productions Casablanca, political drama The Minister (8×60’) from Sagafilm, and new Israeli series Tehran (8×60’) from Donna Productions and Shula Spiegel Productions in association with Paper Plane Productions.