Disney. Sky. Prime.
Walt Disney Studios has appointed former Warner Bros. executive Andrew Cripps as head of theatrical distribution. Cripps is a respected industry veteran who previously led international distribution at Warner Bros., overseeing major releases like Dune, Joker, and Barbie, and will now manage global theatrical distribution across Disney’s seven banners. Replacing Tony Chambers, who recently moved from that position as he was named president of Disney in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Cripps will also oversee cinema partnerships, non-theatrical sales. Next up on the slate, Snow White, Zootopia 2, and Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Sky director of original film, Julia Stuart is leaving the company after six years. She has been involved in a number of projects like this year’s Lee and The Beekeeper and has been huge in spearheading the company’s theatrical release model for their original films. Stuart’s role will not be replaced and instead the head of original film Andrew Orr and commissioning manager Laura Grange will take over her responsibilities.
After 14 years, Chris Bird, the director of Prime Video UK, has stepped down from his position, said to leave the company by the end of the month. Bird took over leadership back in 2021 and has been hugely influential in establishing Prime Video as the premier entertainment platform in the UK. There is no word yet on where Bird will go next.