One day after his abruptdeparture from Focus Features [Screendaily, June 7], Glen Basner has been namedpresident of international at The Weinstein Company.

Basner, who worked for DavidLinde for a decade at Good Machine International and Focus Features, startswork immediately for the Weinsteins at Miramax and The Weinstein Company. Hewill begin working full-time at The Weinstein Company on Oct 1 once thebrothers' contract with Disney ends.

Based in New York, Basnerwill report directly to Bob and Harvey Weinstein, overseeing internationalsales, marketing and distribution activities for the new venture, including theexpansion of its home video and television operations. He will also collaborateclosely with the company's acquisitions team.

From now until Sept 30,Basner will assist Miramax in finalising current projects and internationalsales.

"As The WeinsteinCompany begins to focus on the international arena, we can't think of a morequalified person to spearhead all of our international activities than Glen,"Bob and Harvey Weinstein said in a joint statement.

"Glen's extensive knowledgeof foreign sales and international distribution is exactly the fit we arelooking for at our new company.

"This is a huge coup for TheWeinstein Company. Glen will give the firepower to build our internationalsales organisation into a prominent supplier for the distribution of all of ourmovies worldwide.

"His talent relations willbring us the kind of films that enjoy large box office success bothinternationally and domestically."

"I am thrilled to be joiningthe Weinstein Company at its inception and look forward to playing a part increating a dynamic and innovative company," Basner added.

"It is a wonderfulopportunity to work with Harvey and Bob, two of the most accomplished leadersin our industry."

As executive vice presidentof international sales, Basner oversaw international distribution of suchacclaimed titles as Hero, House Of Flying Daggers, Eternal Sunshine Of TheSpotless Mind, Lost In Translation,and 21 Grams.

He began his career asdirector of production at Good Machine and went on to head up Good MachineInternational's sales division.

The Weinsteins have wastedlittle time assembling a slate since they announced the new venture earlierthis year. Titles include: Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez's joint horrorproject Grind House; AnthonyMinghella's Breaking And Entering;Japanese horror remake Pulse;Kevin Smith's The Passion Of The Clerks; and The Promise by ChenKaige.