WME Independent (WMEI) is exiting the international film sales business as co-head Alex Walton departs to launch a new film financing, production and sales venture.
The move had been rumoured for months and means no Hollywood agency will have a dedicated international sales operation. WMEI will focus on “domestic” sales under the oversight of Deborah MacIntosh in her new role as head of the company.
WMEI and Walton will work together to shepherd outstanding projects on the slate and beyond. The UK-born executive will attend Cannes with his colleagues and is in the process of raising funding, with further details on the new venture expected later this year.
The two entities are expected to maintain close ties. For Walton, the move is a chance to operate with greater flexibility in pulling projects together, while WMEI gets a new partner in the marketplace with whom to collaborate.
Walton is a 25-year industry veteran who has previously led the international sales divisions at HanWay Films, Exclusive Media and Paramount Vantage. He co-founded the sales, production and finance company Bloom alongside Ken Kao in 2014.
The company was acquired by WME four years later and was eventually absorbed into Endeavor Content, where Walton jointly led the film group. Walton and McIntosh were announced as the co-heads of WMEI in 2021.
“We are proud of all that we have accomplished internationally at WME Independent, and before that, Endeavor Content,” said McIntosh. “As the market continues to evolve, we look forward to working with Alex on behalf of our clients as we support them in making independent films and helping them reach a global audience. We are excited for Alex in this next chapter.”
“My time at WME has been both invaluable and meaningful,” Walton added. “I’m grateful to have been part of a company so full of enterprise and drive. Working alongside Deb and this outstanding team has been a genuine pleasure. As I look ahead, the moment feels right to pursue a new venture and I’m excited to create something that can continue to support and partner with the WME team in a new way.”
Earlier this year, Zach Glueck, who served as co-head of international at WMEI, partnered with former Miramax head of sales Yvette Zhuang to launch the sales company Manifest Pictures, which is wholly owned by QC Entertainment.
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