Film4 looking for new boss

Stealth Media Films was keen to learn about the announcement earlier this year by Film4 boss Tessa Ross that she was stepping down from her post at Film4 to become head of the National Theatre. The announcement was made in March this year but ScreenDaily is now reporting on the likely candidates jostling into position to interview for her role.

Tessa Ross over saw production on a string of acclaimed films including Slumdog Millionaire, In Bruges, This Is England, The Last King of Scotland and more recently 12 Years a Slave. 

She leaves a long and successful legacy behind her at Film4 and her successor will have large shoes to fill.

The Contenders

London based David Kosse is currently president of international for Universal. He’s opted to stay in London when it was announced that he job was relocating to LA. He’s the favourite candidate for many in the industry. However, former head of drama at Channel 4 Liza Marshall is also a popular choice. Marshall had TV hits with The Red Riding Trilogy and The Long Firm.

Two other contenders are in with a chance for the role, these are Jenny Borgars and Alison Thompson. DNA’s Allon Reich has also been mentioned as an outside chance for the 

appointment, which could be a job share between two people.

Film4

Film4 has an important part to play in the UK film community, a healthy and well run Film4 is good for the UK film industry as a whole. At Stealth Media Films we’re pleased to see that all the candidates have a strong commercial mind set. It’s important for the sustainability of Film4 that some of their films do have an impact at the box office.

Slumdog Millionaire is a great example of the perfect Film4 production, a worthy and important subject combined with a populist approach that resulted in a box office bonanza and multiple industry awards. Film4 is a leader in this field, as the worldwide success of 12 Years a Slave has proved.

The high profile of Film4 under Ross has been a great aid to the wider film industry in the UK. Ross leaves her post to become chief executive at the National Theatre towards the end of the year. It’s fair to say UK film industry types will be keeping a keen eye on who takes over.

Stealth Media Films

Our current slate of films includes the eagerly anticipated Gummy Bear the Movie featuring the voice of John Travolta. We’re always keen to hear from parties interested in film investment, and we’re available for comment on film industry investment news. If you’re considering film investment you can contact Stealth Media Film Investments here.