TriStar Productions will launch on Sept 1 backed by Sony, who will handle worldwide distribution on all film and TV product. Former Fox Filmed Entertainment chairman and CEO Tom Rothman becomes chairman and will have an ownership share.

Rothman will report to Sony Entertainment CEO and Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton and Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chairman Amy Pascal.

TriStar Productions will produce up to four features a year to be released under the TriStar Pictures label, which will also continue to release other product including titles from Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions.

TriStar Productions will have its own in-house creative production executives and strategic marketing capabilities while relying on Sony’s infrastructure.

The new company will have the ability to take on outside investments and will also develop long form and series programming for Sony Pictures Television.  

“Tom is a rare executive who loves movies, loves filmmakers, understands how to make money and has exquisite taste,” said Pascal. “He has the perfect programming sensibility to add to our slate mix and it will be a thrill to have him as part of our team.”  

“Sony Pictures Television is in business with the best in the business and we couldn’t be more excited to have Tom join our family,” said Sony Pictures Television president Steve Mosko.

“In the late 80s, Amy and I worked together for Dawn Steel on the old Columbia Lot in Burbank,” said Rothman, who left Fox in January. “I admired her hugely then and I admire her more now – she has a truly exceptional film mind. 

“I have known and respected Michael just as long. Together they run a superb company, loaded with outstanding executives at every level, including Steve Mosko, with whom I share a special heritage.  

“From working with both Fox 2000 and Searchlight for many years, I have seen how effective a diversified filmmaking strategy can be, and the opportunities today in television are obvious.

“As a fan of Hollywood history, I know TriStar has a noble name. I am honoured that Michael and Amy would choose me to try to lead a new chapter in it and look forward to collaborating with all the great people at Sony, a truly terrific studio. It feels like coming home.”