The former Disney production and marketing chief and Fox CMO has joined Robert Simonds’ new film and television studio as president and chief content officer of the motion picture group.
Aviv will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of feature development, production and marketing and reports directly to Simonds.
The fully capitalised company aims to produce and distribute 10 features a year in all genres, budgeted in the $20m-$60m range.
STX is backed by equity investment platform TPG Growth, Chinese private equity firm Hony Capital, business interests of OddLot owner Gigi Pritzker represented by DNS Capital and business interests of Beau Wrigley.
“Oren is one of the most accomplished and successful executives working in our industry today,” said Simonds. “His track record of achievement while running production and marketing at Disney and as CMO at Fox is extraordinary. His creative experience, talent relationships, skill set and vision will have a profound impact on our new studio.”
“I’m tremendously excited to be working with Bob and his fantastic team,” said Aviv. “It’s not often you’re given an opportunity to redefine and recalibrate the way a business is run. We have a very disciplined and unique approach to our development philosophy, and we intend to create a home for established stars that is second to none.”
Simonds’ team includes COO Thomas McGrath, the former COO of Viacom Entertainment. Among the board of directors are former Viacom president and CEO Frank Biondi, former Fox Networks Group chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra and Pritzker.
NBC recently picked up the studio’s drama series State Of Affairs starring Katherine Heigl, set to debut in November.
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