Universal appoints cinema boss

Universal Pictures UK has promoted Patrice Faviere to head of marketing of the company’s cinema division.

Faviere was previously marketing manager for Universal Pictures Video UK, where he was responsible for video releases such as Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and Trainspotting.

He replaces Julia Short who has left the company. It is not clear where she has gone. Faviere reports to Universal Pictures managing director Christopher Bailey.

Before Faviere joined PolyGram Video UK in January 1997, he worked in the marketing departments of Procter & Gamble and Kraft Jacobs Suchard.

Forthcoming cinema releases from Universal include comedy Mickey Blue Eyes, starring Hugh Grant and James Caan; an adaptation of a Steven King story The Green Mile, with Tom Hanks; and the latest Coen Brothers film starring George Clooney which is due early next year and is still without a title.

Universal’s recent release Notting Hill had a £20m budget, making it the most expensive British film to date.

PolyGram Video UK was merged into Universal Video UK when Seagram-owned Universal bought PolyGram’s music and film interests from Philips for £6.5bn last year. In February Seagram, the drinks and entertainment group, announced second quarter losses of £166m. Chief executive Edgar Bronfman Jr attributed this to the acquisition of PolyGram and a flat showing of its cinema releases last year.