Joan Weidman, president ofproduction at International Film Guarantors (IFG) and one of the industry'smost knowledgeable veterans, passed away on Feb 6.

Weidman oversaw allproduction and financial aspects of completion bonding for IFG, a leadingcompletion bond company, and was a key player in the financing and productionof such pictures as The Aviator, Ray and Downfall.

Weidman served as aproduction executive at IFG from 1994 to 1996, supervising projects bonded bythe company. She joined LIVE Entertainment as head of physical production in1996 and worked on titles including Suicide Kings, Permanent Midnight and Wishmaster.

She rejoined IFG in 1998 assenior vice president of production and was promoted to president of productionin 2002.

Prior to joining IFG in 1994she produced independent features and was a documentary cinematographer.

"Joan was a valuedcolleague and a true friend of film," Steven Mangel, IFG president andchief operating officer, said.

"She was a greatchampion of the independent film production community and her experience,insight, candour and support will be missed by all who knew her and worked withher."

Donations in remembrance ofJoan Weidman should be sent to Cedars-Sinai Hospice Programme at 200 NorthRobertson Blvd, Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90211. Please note on yourcheque "In Remembrance of Joan Weidman".