First Look Studios COO Dean Wilson Dies

Veteran home entertainment executive had worked at Blockbuster, co-founded DEJ Productions

Dean WilsonDean Wilson, First Look Studios/Millennium Media Services chief operating officer, died July 20 in Los Angeles from complications following a heart attack. He was 52.

Wilson had more than 20 years of experience in the film industry.

Before joining First Look in 2007, he was head of new business development for Blockbuster Inc., overseeing the company's alternative movie distribution strategy. He joined Blockbuster in 1995 and held various positions, including executive VP and chief content officer, worldwide.

He was a co-founder of DEJ Productions, a film acquisition and distribution subsidiary of Blockbuster, established in 1999. First Look bought DEJ for $25 million in 2005, and in April 2007 named Wilson COO of First Look.

Wilson was involved with Team in Training and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and participated in marathons and fundraising events to support both organizations.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Orange County, California, chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS.org).

A memorial will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 29, at the Bel Air Bay Club, 16801 Pacific Coast Highway (between Sunset Blvd and Temescal Canyon Road), in Pacific Palisades.n.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wilson’s name to the Orange County chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS.org).

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