Cineflix Studios chief exits

The restructure of Cineflix Media and the downscaling of its scripted arm is continuing apace, with Cineflix Studios CEO Pete Smith leaving the company.

Smith is leaving the company’s scripted arm, with Cineflix Media now focusing its scripted efforts through Buccaneer Media, its joint venture with Tony Wood, ex-creative director of Lime Pictures.

Smith is, however, in discussions to work on future projects at Buccaneer, which was formed in April.

The changes follow Cineflix’s restructuring of the firm in July, which saw it scale back its Canadian activities and focus more on its factual business in the US and UK.

Cineflix Media co-founder and co-CEO Glen Salzman said: “Following a review of our operations, we’ve decided to scale down Cineflix Studios for the time being and Peter is therefore leaving the company.”

Elsewhere, executive VP of programming Jodi Flynn, who joined the company in July 2012 from Screaming Flea Productions, is leaving to start her own production company. However, she will continue to act as a co-exec producer on a number of Cineflix pilots.

Fynn’s exit comes as the producer and distributor makes four promotions to its North American unscripted division, including Charles Tremayne, currently exec VP, who was named president of production.

Tremayne will continue to oversee all unscripted production in Canada and the US, and report to Cineflix Media co-founder and co-CEO Glen Salzman.

Elsewhere, Kim Bondi becomes exec VP of production while Sherri Rufh becomes senior VP of production and administration and Lynn Van Rooyen senior VP of post production.

A creative director for the US and Canada is currently being sought.

Flynn’s departure is the latest in a series of exits from the various arms of Cineflix. Executive producer Joanne Virgo is joining Proper Television, while Cineflix Productions CEO Simon Lloyd and executive VP Joe Houlihan are setting up their own production company.

Consultation over the potential redundancy of six staff at distribution arm Cineflix Rights, including former ITV Studios Global Entertainment and Shine International exec Noel Hedges, is ongoing.