XYZ Films Expands Into Management, Hires Former Universal Exec Peter Van Steemburg

XYZ Films is expanding with a new management division, and the company has tapped Peter Van Steemburg, a former Universal executive and ICM agent, as its first hire for the division, XYZ announced Monday.

XYZ’s management division will focus on identifying emerging filmmakers globally and working with them in generating content creation opportunities. Van Steemburg will start at the company in August.

Van Steemburg was most recently the vice president of acquisitions & production at Universal Pictures Content Group, where he was responsible for acquiring independent features for North America. “Piercing” and “An Evening With Beverly Luff Linn” were among the acquisitions during Van Steemburg’s tenure at the company.

Also Read: Former CAA Executives Launch New Talent Management Firm UNCMMN

Van Steemburg began his film career at the international distribution division of Miramax Films before joining the film finance department at Cinetic Media. Following this, he spent 8 years working in the acquisitions department of Magnolia Pictures and Magnet Releasing, where he negotiated the U.S. rights for “Beyond the Black Rainbow,” “Nymphomaniac,” “Drinking Buddies,” “Europa Report,” “Big Bad Wolves,” “Last Day on Mars,” “The Sacrament,” “Blackfish” and “Bronson.”

In 2015, Van Steemburg joined ICM Partners as an agent in the International Independent Department, focusing on financing, packaging, and sales. During his time there, he worked on films along with directors such as Raoul Peck, Ari Aster, Sean Baker, Hannah Fidell, Jared Moshe and the Zellner brothers.

“We’ve been fortunate to work with many visionary directors, and found the greatest success by fully supporting their vision and ensuring that they have the tools they need to execute at the highest level,” XYZ said in a statement. “Peter is a perfect fit to continue building on these core values. He has a strong track record of recognizing talent and emphatically supporting their work, and his skillset is well-suited to guide artists through the new world of content creation and consumption.”

Also Read: Aubrey Plaza Tells Us Why 'An Evening With Beverly Luff Lin' Is a 'Wild Ride' (Video)

“I am truly honored to be invited into the XYZ family,” Van Steemburg said. “I did my very first deals in the business with XYZ. Advocating on behalf of filmmakers is my greatest passion and no other company is at the vanguard for distinctive and risk-taking voices like XYZ Films. I am wildly impressed with the company that they have built over the past decade and I couldn’t be more thrilled to dive into this new initiative.”

XYZ’s expansion into management comes in the 11th year for the film company. Last year, XYZ brought in Tatyana Joffe as president of international sales and hired Tamir Ardon to head its documentary division.

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