Open Road Films has extended Tom Ortenberg’s employment agreement as CEO through 2018, the company announced Wednesday.
Since it was founded in 2011 by AMC Entertainment and Regal Entertainment Group, Open Road has established itself as a premiere independent theatrical distributor, acquiring and distributing star-driven hits and working with first-class filmmakers.
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Open Road recently announced an extension of its $100 million revolving credit facility, as well as a premium pay TV deal with Showtime through 2020. The company also has a premium pay TV deal with Netflix through 2016.
“We are thrilled with the job that Tom and his team have done in launching OpenRoad,” said Gerry Lopez, CEO of AMC and Amy Miles, CEO of Regal, in a joint statement. “We look forward to working with him for many years to come as we continue to grow the company.”
“Working with AMC and Regal to establish Open Road Films – and growing the company over the past two and a half years – has been the most satisfying and exhilarating experience of my career. I could not be more proud of the job our team has done so far and I am looking forward to the future with great excitement,” said Ortenberg.
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Prior to the formation of Open Road, Ortenberg was president of theatrical films at The Weinstein Company. He also spent over 12 years at Lionsgate Entertainment, opening their Los Angeles office in 1996 and ultimately serving as president of theatrical films. Ortenberg’s tenure at Lionsgate included many critical achievements such as Halle Berry‘s historic Oscar for “Monster’s Ball” and the Best Picture winner “Crash,” as well as commercial successes such as the “Saw” horror movies and the Tyler Perry film franchise.
Ortenberg began his film career with Columbia Pictures in 1985 and joined Hemdale Film Corporation in 1989, where he served as president of distribution and marketing before moving to Lionsgate. Ortenberg is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the BAFTA and serves on the boards for The Creative Coalition, the ACLU Foundation and Film Independent.