Insiders say former government has been “making the rounds” round city
Almost one 12 months after Kevin Tsujihara’s ouster from Warner Bros., a number of insiders inform TheWrap the previous studio head is actively searching for a place in Hollywood.
In current weeks, Tsujihara has sought counsel from a veteran studio head to ask if he’s employable within the wake of his ouster, based on a educated particular person. The former chairman and CEO of Warner Entertainment was investigated over having helped an actress with casting alternatives whereas in a sexual relationship along with her.
Tsujihara additionally just lately interviewed for a high place at a number one Hollywood manufacturing firm, based on a second educated particular person. The interview course of didn’t advance out of issues that ladies executives on the firm would object.
Reached by TheWrap, Tsujihara acknowledged that he’s been “having conversations” across the leisure business however declined to elaborate. He was seen on the business watering gap the Chateau Marmont in late February having a drink with what gave the impression to be a colleague. A 3rd insider additionally stated he’s been “making the rounds” with former Warner executives and allies.
A spokesperson for Tsujihara has denied that he’s interviewed for any place.
Also Read: After Kevin Tsujihara’s Ouster, What’s in Store for Warner Bros.?
Insiders say it appears unlikely that Tsujihara shall be employed by one other main Hollywood studio, particularly amid the #MeToo and Time’s Up actions, and after Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault trial (though, it should be stated that Tsujihara’s allegations are removed from the rape accusations leveled at Weinstein). In addition, there are only a few jobs accessible that might match Tsujihara’s degree of experience. One potential place is the one Emma Watts just lately vacated at Disney’s 20th Century Studios division.
However, when misconduct allegations had been leveled towards former chief artistic officer of Walt Disney Animation and Pixar John Lasseter, Disney confirmed the door to one of many founders of Pixar and the artistic pressure behind hits like “Toy Story,” “A Bug’s Life” and “Cars.” Lasseter did land a job with Skydance seven months later, however not with out pushback from many staff throughout the firm.
It’s doable that Tsujihara might discover alternatives exterior the normal studio and movie area. In January, he invested in European basketball league, FIBA by GCBH LP, an funding entity which he leads alongside Brian Bailey, who has held positions in personal fairness. This permits Tsujihara to maintain himself within the sport and will probably open up alternatives to work in movie and content material financing versus working a studio. One means he might step again into the Hollywood world is by investing in impartial tasks, the third insider stated.
Also Read: Read Kevin Tsujihara’s Memo to Staff: ‘Became Clear My Leadership Could Be a Distraction’
Given the monetary backing he has by GCBH LP, he might additionally begin his personal manufacturing banner, insiders stated.
Regardless of what path he pursues, Tsujihara has constructed up a variety of good will in Hollywood. Before the accusations leveled towards him surfaced, he was a popular and revered government. Tsujihara stepped down simply as his position as chairman and CEO on the Warner Bros. movie arm had been expanded following AT&T’s $85 billion acquisition of Time Warner.
And some individuals in Hollywood had been confused about his departure on condition that the accusations didn’t contain unwelcome sexual advances or conduct.
Last March, Tsujihara and WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey reached a joint resolution that his resignation was “in the best interest” of the corporate. Tsujihara, who had labored for 20 years on the studio and served as chairman for the final six years, denied any wrongdoing related to his previous intimate relationship with actress Charlotte Kirk after The Hollywood Reporter…
