Following CEO Tim Haslam’s departure from HanWay Films last week, company Chairman Jeremy Thomas has announced two senior appointments at the London-based sales company.




Thorsten Schumacher [pictured], the company’s former head of sales, has been appointed managing director; and Jan Spielhoff, former head of business affairs, has now been appointed chief operating officer. Both will join the HanWay Films board alongside the company’s founding shareholders Thomas (chairman), Peter Watson (deputy chairman) and Stephan Mallmann (CFO).  

Haslam (who had worked for Majestic Films and Intermadia before coming to HanWay) has spent seven years at the company. He has been responsible for international sales on over 800 theatrical films and catalogue titles. He will continue to work as a consultant with the company.

Speaking to Screen, Jeremy Thomas said that Haslam’s departure won’t affect the day to day running of the company, which will continue to grow. “It won’t change. It will just be the same,” Thomas stated, describing Hanway’s current line-up as “the best slate we’ve ever had.”

Thomas didn’t specify what exactly Haslam’s consultancy role will be. “He might bring stuff in. He might help on difficult deals,” the Recorded Picture Company boss and HanWay Chairman suggested.

The news of the changes comes as HanWay prepares for what looks set to be a very busy autumn festival/market season. David Cronenberg’s A Dangerous Method will play in Venice. Steve McQueen’s Shame and Andrea Arnold’s Wuthering Heights are also prime contenders for official selection on the Lido.

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