Blockbuster Appoints Former Warner Bros. Exec

DALLAS, July 16: Jeffrey
Calman has been named to the newly created position of VP of studio relations
and new media for Blockbuster, where he will lead the company’s efforts to
acquire digital content.

Calman will be based in
Los Angeles. Prior to joining Blockbuster, he headed his own digital
programming and distribution consulting firm and worked with clients such as
Genius Products, The Weinstein Company and ViewNow.

He also worked for Warner
Bros. for 20 years, most recently serving as the executive VP of
video-on-demand and electronic sell-through in Warner’s home-video division. He
oversaw the U.S. sales, marketing and finance staffs.

“Jeff's extensive
background in all aspects of the acquisition and distribution of entertainment
content, his understanding of new-media technology, his studio-side experience
and his business acumen should greatly contribute to our efforts to position
Blockbuster as a leading provider of digital content,” said Joyce Woodward,
Blockbuster’s senior VP of film. “We are delighted to welcome him to
Blockbuster and to this new position.”

—By Jackie Stewart