MUMBAI: Global entertainment company Vivendi Entertainment, which is an established player in the DVD space, has expanded into theatrical releases.

As part of this expansion, Vivendi will partner with filmmakers to distribute a slate of 8-14 films per year. This new division will provide theatrical distribution and marketing services, as well as coordinate P&A funding.

The announcement was made by Tom O’Malley, who has been named Vivendi Entertainment president. O’Malley will report to Universal Music Group distribution president and CEO Jim Urie.

Urie said, "This expansion into theatrical releasing is a natural evolution for us. And there is no one better to guide Vivendi Entertainment than Tom. His leadership and innovation have played a key part in building the company and this promotion recognises all of his success."

"Vivendi Entertainment now offers a full array of distribution services including theatrical, home entertainment, digital and television. Launching the theatrical distribution division allows us to expand the services we provide to our customers and improve our overall market position. We offer an alternative to filmmakers in that we do not produce our own films, instead our business model exists to provide focus and dedicated distribution and marketing services. The cornerstones for the company will continue to be collaboration and financial transparency," added O’Malley.

In addition, O’Malley has tapped industry veteran Mike Doban to lead theatrical distribution. Doban said, "I’m very excited to be part of Vivendi Entertainment. Given Vivendi’s philosophy, I am confident that we will offer high-quality films to both exhibitors and audiences."

He brings 27 years experience in theatrical distribution and exhibition, including 15 years at United Artists. Additionally, he was co-founder of Freestyle Releasing where he supervised such releases as The Illusionist and An American Haunting.