STX Entertainment Launches International Division to Expand Global Production and Distribution Capabilities

LOS ANGELES, April 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- STX Entertainment ("STX" or "the Company"), a global media company, today announced the launch of STX International, a new division dedicated to identifying and executing on global opportunities for development, production and distribution of the Company's high-quality, star-driven content. The introduction of strong international operations will significantly accelerate STX's global growth as an integrated, diversified entertainment company, executing on traditional and emerging opportunities across television, film and digital. This significant expansion of STX's overseas footprint also marks STX's strategic push into self-distribution of its content.

The Company also announced that recognized international film executive David Kosse, widely acknowledged to be an expert in the field, will establish and oversee the new division as President of STX International, effective June 1st, reporting to STX Chief Operating Officer, Thomas McGrath.  In this new role, Mr. Kosse will oversee international strategy for the marketing and direct theatrical and multi-platform distribution of STX films worldwide.  Initial plans call for launching direct distribution in the UK and Ireland in 2017, with expansion into additional key territories to be announced in due course. John Friedberg, President of International Sales will report to Mr. Kosse from STX's Burbank headquarters.  The international group has already put in place 50 output agreements covering the global market.   Mr. Kosse through the new STX International division will manage these valued partnerships and agreements while diversifying STX's distribution opportunities by adding the capability for STX to self-distribute its own films in selected territories.

"In 2016, our first full year of operation, we have already scaled to distribute ten major films worldwide, with plans to expand to twelve in 2017. As we continue to grow and execute on industry opportunities, building out STX's global reach with the best talent and structure is a pillar of STX's strategy," said Sophie Watts, President of STX Entertainment. "The inauguration of STX International underscores our commitment to managing the content lifecycle of our projects globally to ensure we maximize each opportunity for success. There is no better executive to lead this new initiative than David, an incomparable industry heavyweight – and we're extremely excited to welcome him to the team."

STX International will be based in the Company's new London office, which will serve as the Company's headquarters for international production, marketing and distribution. Consistent with STX's innovative new approach to creating and developing original programs, the Company intends to create a combination of direct distribution and local partnerships, beginning in 2017. Mr. Kosse will work closely with the international distribution partnerships already in place for STX and will also be charged with creating the kinds of innovative efficiencies, strategic media partnerships and emerging opportunities that are the cornerstones of the Company's foundation.

STX Entertainment COO Mr. McGrath said, "An executive of David's stature and expertise is rare and we are thrilled that he has chosen to join STX and lead our International division. By enhancing our ability to place talent and brands in the right geographic areas to reach targeted audiences, we have a unique opportunity to maximize value for all of our partners. David has the experience, know-how and relationships to pinpoint optimal distribution and execute our international strategy."

Mr. Kosse added, "The way STX is approaching the international piece is refreshing and unlike anything else I've seen in the industry. I'm very excited about getting in on the ground floor and helping drive growth at what really is the first global media company that was truly built for the current entertainment landscape. I've had the pleasure of working with STX's leadership team previously and look forward to joining them as they innovate and change the industry."

"I am ecstatic to be working with David again," said Adam Fogelson, Chairman of the STX Motion Picture Group. "David and I enjoyed a long working history together at our previous company and I've experienced first-hand his valuable knowledge of both the international landscape and emerging marketing and distribution platforms. His deep talent relationships and brilliant eye for globally commercial content will be invaluable as we continue to make films for worldwide audiences."

Mr. Kosse formally joins STX in June of this year, but during the interim will be partnered with the Company as a consultant on the campaigns and rollout of certain upcoming STX films, including Bad Moms, the outrageous comedy written and directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore starring Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Annie Mumolo with Jada Pinkett-Smith and Christina Applegate; and the interplanetary adventure The Space Between Us, starring Gary Oldman, Carla Gugino, Asa Butterfield and Britt Robertson; and the upcoming horror film, Bye Bye Man.

David Kosse Bio

Mr. Kosse launched and built the distribution powerhouse Universal Pictures International which he headed for almost a decade, growing the division into a global operation with bases in 16 countries. While at Universal, Mr. Kosse oversaw blockbusters  such as Mamma Mia, the Bourne franchise, Les Miserables, and many of the installments for the Fast and Furious and The Mummy franchises. Before joining Universal, Mr. Kosse established Momentum Pictures in London in 2000, overseeing such notable films as Lost in Translation and Amelie.

Mr. Kosse joins STX from Channel 4, where, as Director of its feature filmmaking division Film4, he worked with such notable filmmakers as Danny Boyle, Steve McQueen and Alex Garland, and was responsible for greenlighting the critically acclaimed Room, which garnered four Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and Best Actress for Brie Larson, who won the honor. Mr. Kosse will ensure a smooth transition at Channel 4 by staying on as a consultant until October.

Mr. Kosse served as an executive producer on The Theory of Everything, which received five Academy Awards nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor, for which its star Eddie Redmayne won.

Mr. Kosse previously worked as SVP International Marketing at PolyGram Filmed Entertainment after beginning his career at international advertising, marketing and public relations agency Ogilvy and Mather.

ABOUT STX ENTERTAINMENT

STX Entertainment is a fully integrated, diversified, global media company designed from inception to unlock value from the 21st century's changed media landscape. STX specializes in the development, production, marketing and distribution of talent-driven films, television, and digital media content, with a unique ability to maximize the impact of content across worldwide, multiplatform distribution channels, including unparalleled global capabilities and direct passage into the China market.

STX Entertainment is led by accomplished businessman Robert Simonds and was co-founded by Bill McGlashan, managing partner of the growth division of leading global private investment firm TPG, which has $75 billion of capital under management.  The Company's Board of Directors includes prominent leaders in global finance and entertainment, including Frank Biondi, former President and CEO of Viacom, Inc. and former Chairman and CEO of Universal Studios; Tony Vinciquerra, former Chairman and CEO of Fox Networks Group; film and stage producer, businesswoman and filmmaker Gigi Pritzker (Ender's Game, Drive); David Bonderman, founding partner of TPG; and John Zhao, CEO of Hony Capital, among others.

In addition to TPG Growth, other investors include financial partner Hony Capital, a leading private equity firm in China, Gigi Pritzker and Beau Wrigley, former Chairman and CEO of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, among others.

For more information, please visit https://www.stxentertainment.com.

CONTACT:  Steve Elzer, 1-213-6073591, [email protected]

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