The Orchard Film, TV EVP Paul Davidson to Step Down

Paul Davidson, The Orchard Film Group’s govt vp of movie and tv, is stepping down after the sale of the corporate to 1091 Media is accomplished, a person with data of the state of affairs advised TheWrap.

In a memo to workers, Davidson wrote: “As the company ends one chapter and begins another, I have made the decision to move on from The Orchard film group. While I am very appreciative that 1091 asked me to continue to run the company in its new iteration, for me the time is right to look toward my own next chapter and build something new. There are exciting things on the horizon, and I look forward to sharing more when I’m able. ”

Davidson has been with The Orchard for 5 years. In January, 1091 Media introduced its acquisition of the corporate. The phrases of the deal weren’t disclosed. The Orchard Film Group is owned by The Orchard, an asset of Sony Music Entertainment, and the corporate desires to shift its focus to its core music operations.

Also Read: The Orchard’s Film Group Acquired by 1091 Media Investment Group

1091 Media and its principals are development buyers who additionally lead Dimensional Associates, the non-public fairness arm of The Orchard’s authentic homeowners, JDS Capital Management, Inc. From 2003-2015, they owned quite a lot of media corporations via Dimensional, together with The Orchard and Dimensional Music Publishing.

Davidson spearheaded lots of the firm’s acquisitions at festivals, together with Louis C.Ok.’s “I Love You, Daddy” for $5 million on the 2017 Toronto Film Festival. Following accusations of sexual harassment in opposition to C.Ok., the corporate relinquished the movie again to the comic.

Also Read: The Orchard Successor Company Lands North American Rights to Documentary ‘Halston’

Other hits from The Orchard embody Sam Elliott’s “The Hero” and the Oscar-nominated documentary “Life, Animated,” in addition to “American Animals” and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople.”

Read Davidson’s full memo to workers under.

Team

When I got here to The Orchard virtually 5 years in the past, it was clear there was nice potential for the movie division, which might construct off the superb achievements of the music aspect of the enterprise, with the identical spirit of transparency and true partnership. We noticed the chance to duplicate this success for movie administrators, producers and content material creators, and we launched a brand new technique for the movie group, bolstered by a stellar, wildly artistic group of leaders keen about movie and good about enterprise.

I’m very pleased with what we’ve constructed with The Orchard in such a brief period of time: a well-recognized model related to high-quality movies, strategic considering, collaboration and creativity, and a observe file of critically acclaimed (and award-nominated) movies together with What We Do within the Shadows, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, American Animals, The Hero, We the Animals, The Overnight, Birds of Passage, Neruda, Beats Per Minute, Cartel Land, Life, Animated, The Dawn Wall and so many extra – about 4,000 extra to be precise.  

Now, as the corporate ends one chapter and begins one other, I’ve made the choice to maneuver on from The Orchard movie group. While I’m very appreciative that 1091 requested me to proceed to run the corporate in its new iteration, for me the time is true to look towards my very own subsequent chapter and construct one thing new. There are thrilling issues on the horizon, and I stay up for sharing extra after I’m ready. 

I need to thank Brad for his assist for all these years. He has at all times been an enormous supporter of what we’ve been doing and has been an unbelievable companion. Without his assist and that of the administration group at The Orchard, we’d not be the place we’re in the present day. I additionally need to thank your complete group, whose onerous work and fervour attracted a steady of unbelievable filmmakers, rising new voices and prolific producing groups which, in flip, unfold the…