Marty Zeidmanhas joined Lions Gate Films Releasing as senior vice president and generalsales manager, at the same time as Jay Peckos has left Lions Gate from his postas vice president of distribution to become film buyer at Landmark.

Zeidman was headfilm buyer for the US arthouse theatre circuit, and in his new position, hewill be responsible for developing and implementing distribution patterns forthe company's lineup of pictures.

'I haveknown Marty for going on 20 years and he is one of the smartest and mostpassionate distribution executives I have ever met,' Lions Gate Filmspresiddent Tom Ortenberg told Screendaily. 'While he was serving as headof distribution at Miramax in the late 1980s and early 1990s and the Weinsteinswere inventing a modern film movement in production and marketing, Marty wasinventing it on the distribution side. We are very lucky to have him on boardand look forward to taking this to the next level.'

'This is adream job for me,' Zeidman said in a statement. 'I'm honouredto be joining the leading independent film production and distribution companyin the country and look forward to helping lead Lions Gate to even greaterheights.'

Prior to joiningLandmark, Zeidman was senior vice president and head of distribution atParamount Classics, where he oversaw distribution for You Can Count On Me, Sunshine and The Girl On The Bridge. He was also as senior vice president ofFine Line Features and senior vice president of theatrical distribution atMiramax Films.

Meanwhile Peckos, whose background includes executivepositions in distribution at Orion Pictures and Orion Classics, MGM, WarnerBros and Columbia Pictures, joins an exhibition company for the first time.

'Jay brings a wealth of experience in specializedand commercial film to Landmark Theatres. We've known each other for many, many years and it's ourprivilege to welcome him now as Landmark continues its expansion in thespecialized exhibition arena,' said Landmark executive vice presidentBert Manzari in a statement.

Landmark is the largest specialized film exhibitor in thecountry with 52 theatres and 173 screens in 17 markets; its subsidiary SilverCinemas has 15 theatres and 113 screens specializing in discount theatricalexhibition.