Warner Bros. Pictures France’s Francis Boespflug Decides To Leave Company

(February 27, 2009 – Burbank, CA and Paris, France) – Veteran feature film producer and executive, Francis Boespflug, who has been with Warner Bros. for 12 years having served most recently as Directeur Général, Production & Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures France, has decided to leave the company at the end of the month, citing personal reasons. Under Boespflug’s leadership, Warner Bros. Pictures France has consistently ranked amongst the top three film distributors in France over the past decade. Boespflug has been responsible for the release of hundreds of films from Warner Bros. Pictures, including the “Harry Potter,” “Ocean’s 11” and “Matrix” as well as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and more recently “The Dark Knight.” In addition, Boespflug has been instrumental in positioning Warner Bros. as an integral partner to the French production community, playing a key role in Warner Bros. Pictures’ corporate worldwide directive overseen by Richard Fox (Executive Vice President, International, Warner Bros.) to increase the company’s activities in producing, acquiring and distributing local-language films in their country of origin. To this end, Boespflug was responsible for the company’s French acquisition and distribution of “Les Bronzés 3” (one of the most successful French films ever), “Le Boulet,” “Chouchou,” “Malabar Princess,” “La Vérité Si Je Mens 2” and most recently “La Fille de Monaco”; the production of “Un Long Dimanche de Fiancailles” as well as the upcoming “Coco Avant Chanel” and “Mic Mac à Tire Larigot” by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. He was also the lead on such successful international acquisitions as “Crouching Tiger” and the latest Woody Allen film “Vicky Christina Barcelona.” “This is not a decision that I have come to lightly,” said Boespflug. “Warner Bros. has been my home for many years now and I am extremely proud of the work we have accomplished during my tenure. I was once again delighted to be at Clint Eastwood’s side for the French opening of ‘Gran Torino’ this week, and will continue to make myself available to the producers of ‘Coco Before Chanel’ and ‘Mic Mac à Tire Larigot’ to ensure the successful release of the last two co-production which Warner Bros. developed under my tenure. I do not start something without completing it." “However, there comes a time when you must examine all that is going on in your life and truly weigh your priorities. This is the simple case here. It’s now my desire to dedicate my time, energy and attention to other aspects of my life. I cannot express enough my gratitude to those in Paris and Burbank who gave me their confidence over the last 12 years.” “I certainly respect and even admire Francis’ decision,” said Fox. “We will benefit from Francis’ contributions in establishing our local-language initiative in France and truly establishing Warner Bros. as an important production partner for years to come. Francis, you will be missed.” “Francis’ considerable exhibition and production knowledge, insights and instincts have translated into significant box office success for Warner Bros. Pictures in France,” said Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President, Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures International. “We are very sad to see him go and wish him well.” “Francis has been a terrific partner to work with over the years and he will be missed,” said Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures. “His contributions to our operations in France are incalculable. He brought great strategic vision to numerous campaigns and assembled a first-rate regional team. I know I speak for all of us from around the world who have had the pleasure to work with him when I say we wish him all the very best.” “I could not have asked for a better partner than Francis,” said Iris Knobloch, President Directeur Général, Warner Bros. France. “His support has been unwavering; his accomplishments have been plentiful and his dedication to our company admirable.” Prior to joining Warner Bros., Boespflug spent four years as Acquisitions, Investments and Booking Manager at MK2 (Marin Karmitz) and five years as Booking Manager at Gaumont. He also founded in 1989 Pyramide Films, an independent production, distribution and foreign sales company, with Fabienne Vonier, Louis and Vincent Malle and Michel Seydoux. # # #