Japanese studio Shochikuannounced today several changes in the top management of its motion picturedivision. Chiefly, Teruki Matsumoto has been promotedto managing director of the filmed entertainment division.

In the position Matsumotowill oversee all production, development and distribution of feature films. He will report directly to Shochiku president Junichi Sakomoto,who himself was promoted to that position two years ago.

Other staff changes includehead of animation Ichiro Seki taking on the additional title of managingdirector of corporate planning and legal. SuketsuguNoda has been reappointed to senior managing director of the filmed entertainment division. Koji Matsukura has been appointed general manager of the marketing, publicity and advertising division. Allthree will report to Matsumoto.

Shochiku's upcoming slateincludes female ensemble drama TokyoFriends, Yoji Yamada-scripted WWII drama Sea Without Exitand a new entry in the Ultraman franchise.

Shochikualso has four titles screening at upcoming festivals. Midnight Sun and Sea Without an Exitwill screen at the Montreal World Film Festival while Takashi Miike's Big Bang Love, Juvenile A and HirokazuKore-eda's HANAwill screen at the Toronto International Film Festival.