New Leadership for Amazon MGM Studios’ UK & Ireland Theatrical Marketing
Amazon MGM Studios is strengthening its international theatrical team by appointing Chris Besseling, a seasoned professional from eOne, Pathé, and True Brit, as the new Head of Theatrical Marketing for the UK and Ireland.
Settling into his London-based role, Besseling will report directly to Charlie Coleman, the Head of International Theatrical Marketing. He will work closely with Scott Sargeant, who holds the title of Head of Theatrical Distribution for the UK and Ireland. According to previous reports, the international theatrical team at Amazon is managed by Helen Moss, a former executive at Paramount.
In a communication to the team, Coleman praised Besseling, calling him a “proven marketing leader” and an excellent addition to the team, especially in what he described as one of the most fiercely competitive markets they are entering.
Expanding Global Leadership
Alongside Besseling’s appointment, Amazon MGM Studios is reportedly in the process of filling additional leadership roles across various key international markets, aiming to enhance its distribution capabilities globally.
Chris Besseling began his illustrious career over two decades ago at Metrodome in the UK. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in launching over 200 films in the UK through his positions at eOne, where he was the head of marketing, Pathé, and True Brit. His portfolio includes leading successful UK marketing campaigns for prominent films such as 1917, Suffragette, Green Book, Selma, The Death Of Stalin, Stan & Ollie, I, Tonya, and Marching Powder. Most recently, Besseling served as the Head of Theatrical Distribution, Marketing & Publicity at Zygi Kamasa’s True Brit for two years.
While there has been no confirmation on the initial major releases from Amazon’s revamped international theatrical operations, the studio has been actively acquiring foreign rights at various markets. This suggests a promising lineup of third-party pickups and in-house productions for future releases.
The UK film industry is poised to experience a revitalization with Amazon re-entering the theatrical scene. This development, coupled with the recent announcement about Neon’s potential expansion into the UK market, signals a potentially exciting phase for film distribution and marketing in the region.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
