First Look International Expands Operations By Opening In London

Film distribution company First Look International has announced the expansion of its operations with the opening of a London office.
Stuart Ford, President of First Look International said: "This is a logical development for our rapidly growing international sales operation. The London base will allow us to have much more day-to-day contact with European distributors. The office will also act as an invaluable search engine for European-based projects we can board as a seller or co-financier, an area of our business we're very intent on growing.
"I think our UK office will also re-position us as a true international film company, as opposed to a US company doing business internationally."
FLI has hired well-known London Sales Executive Tim Grohne from Celsius Entertainment to front the UK operation as Vice President, International Sales. "Tim is one of the most well-liked and knowledgeable executives in the London sales community," said Ford. "He also has good all-round knowledge of the industry, which is essential given the fact that our London office is more than just a sales operation."
Grohne commented: “Stuart has assembled a first class team, and one that I am proud to be part of. The creation of an office in London will make First Look even more accessible to European filmmakers and distributors, and marks an important step towards Stuart’s vision of creating a truly global entity.”
The announcement of the London office comes in tandem with the announcement of further expansions to the First Look International team in Los Angeles.
Ruzanna Kegeyan joins as Vice President, International Sales from Bob Yari's Syndicate Films.
The eight-year sales veteran said: "Stuart has assembled a stellar team with extensive experience and knowledge of the global marketplace. FLI is poised to bring solid product to our partners in the international community and I am delighted to join during this exciting time to further the company’s growth."
Also arriving at the company as Director of International Sales Operations is Catherine Quantschnigg, who joins First Look International from Showtime International.
(DS/SP)