Robert Harper, vice chairman of Twentieth Century Fox, has been promoted to vice chairman, Fox Filmed Ent. With his promotion, Harper assumes new global strategic, creative and managerial responsibilities for all of Fox Filmed Ent., concentrating particularly on interdivisional synergy.
Harper's promotion reflects the studio's success, growth and management stability. Fox has had three consecutive, record-breaking years, with over $2 billion in worldwide box office in 2004.
FFE chairmen Tom Rothman and Jim Gianopulos commented: "For almost two decades, Bob Harper has made significant contributions to the film company's success -- as a marketer, strategic thinker and leader. During the past few years, he has been an invaluable resource to both of us. Now, with the film company enjoying one of the most exciting periods of growth in its history, we are delighted Bob has agreed to accept this well deserved promotion that encompasses critical new global responsibilities."
Added Harper: "Under the leadership of Jim and Tom, these last few record-breaking years have been the most gratifying of my 20 years here at Fox. I am very excited about taking what we have learned and carrying it into the future. Alongside our great team of innovative, experienced executives and inspiring filmmakers, I'm looking forward to our continued growth and success as a company."
Harper joined the Fox marketing department in 1985, rising to president of marketing in 1989. He then became an independent producer based on the Fox lot, producing the hit comedy ROOKIE OF THE YEAR in 1993. In 1995 he rejoined the Fox marketing department as president of marketing. He was promoted to vice chairman of Twentieth Century Fox and evp of FFE in 2000.
One of the world's largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, FFE produces, acquires and distributes movies throughout the world. These are produced or acquired by the following units of FFE: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000, Fox Searchlight Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox Animation.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
