Los Angeles, CA – June 12, 2018 – Village Roadshow Entertainment Group (VREG) announced today that Peter Schlessel has been elected to its Board of Directors. Schlessel joins the VREG Board of Directors as the Company releases their 100th Hollywood film, OCEAN’S 8 to strong domestic and global success with Sandra Bullock who also starred in their first release from nearly 20 years ago this October, PRACTICAL MAGIC.
“Peter is a trusted executive with a proven track record and distinctive understanding of the entertainment space both where it is today and where we expect it will be in the future,” stated Jim Moore, Chairman of Village Roadshow Entertainment Group. “His insight will be a valuable asset for our Board as we continue to execute on our strategic plans.”
Schlessel has had a traditional and entrepreneurial career in the entertainment industry. He has held senior roles at both Focus Features and at Sony Pictures Entertainment. Schlessel co-founded and served as CEO of FilmDistrict which garnered over $500 million in box office on the movies it produced and acquired. Over the span of his career Schlessel has produced, acquired and distributed hundreds of movies including LOOPER, DISTRICT 9, the Oscar-winning THEORY OF EVERTHING, OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN and INSIDIOUS among many others. Schlessel also was instrumental in working with Jeff Skoll on the founding of Participant Media. He currently has an active consulting and mentorship business via his PS Entertainment banner under which he advises high net worth individuals, maintains other seats on both corporate and venture fund advisory boards and represents various entertainment properties.
“I’m looking forward to working with Peter as he is a talented executive who will offer a unique perspective and unmatched insight as Village Roadshow continues to grow,” added Greg Basser, Village Roadshow Entertainment Group’s Chief Executive Officer.
“It is very nice to be asked to join the board of VREG and to work with a company that has such a storied history of being involved with great films and talented filmmakers,” added Schlessel.