EXCLUSIVE: Well-respected executive Robert Walak officially joined The Weinstein Co in May 2013 and has been involved in several key deals across both film and television for the U.S. and international markets. Looking to explore other opportunities that are more UK-focused, and also take a bit of time off to spend with family, the London-based President/Managing Director Europe, Production, Acquisitions and Television, has opted not to renew his contract when it expires at the end of this month.
“Robert is a great intellect. A brilliant executive with huge contributions to the company,” said TWC Co-Chairmen Harvey and Bob Weinstein. “We tried to convince him that New York was London but he doubted us. He is a friend who will be a part of our personal lives forever.”
Walak says, “I’ve made many great and lasting friendships at TWC and I am very proud at what I was able to accomplish with the team here. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Bob and Harvey and David Glasser and have benefitted from their experience and vision. It’s now time for me to pursue other interests and opportunities that may be more UK-focused. I wish the company the best of success moving forward.”
Among feature deals in which Walak has been involved since joining the company are the acquisition of Oscar winner The Imitation Game; along with this year’s live-action/CGI hit Paddington; awards season hopeful Carol; and the upcoming 2016 Garth Davis-directed Lion. Helping substantially grow the television business, Walak’s credits include deals for Peaky Blinders, Gomorrah, War And Peace, and most recently, the acquisition of Baltasar Kormakur’s Icelandic crime drama Trapped.
Prior to TWC, Walak was SVP Worldwide Acquisitions and Productions at Alliance, leaving in early 2013 after the takeover by eOne. There he oversaw the acquisitions of such important titles as The Twilight Saga in Spain and The King’s Speech and The Woman In Black for the UK.
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