The fate of movie distributor Apparition, in question since the abrupt May departure of creative chief Bob Berney, became clearer as owner Bill Pohlad announced major layoffs and a restructuring Wednesday. The struggling art-house outfit will cut the staff from 27 to 15 and close its New York and Chicago offices, moving operations to Los Angeles.
The year-old firm's releases to date include the costume dramas "Bright Star" and "The Young Victoria," the blaxploitation spoof "Black Dynamite," the crime drama "Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day" and, more recently, the Joan Jett biopic "The Runaways," none of them substantial hits.
In a statement, Pohlad noted that "circumstances have forced us to rethink the direction and operations of the company, and regrettably this has resulted in layoffs impacting our staff and changes for our colleagues."
Indie veteran Tom Ortenberg, formerly marketing chief for Lionsgate Entertainment and the Weinstein Co., will join Apparition as a consultant, overseeing the release of Apparition's sole remaining title. That film is a likely 2011 Oscar contender, Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life," a high-profile family drama starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.
"We very much believe in the mission set forth with Apparition, and welcome Tom Ortenberg's expertise and consultation in the coming weeks and months," Pohlad stressed.
Unless the distributor acquires profitable new films quickly, months may be the correct timeline.
COLIN COVERT
