LONDON (The Hollywood Reporter) — Universal Pictures International, the London-based home-entertainment arm of Universal Pictures, said Feb. 22 that it has set up a local distribution company in Russia.
Universal Pictures Russia, which also will cover the Commonwealth of Independent States, will be headed by newly appointed managing director Egor Borisov. He will report to London-based Wayne Borg, VP Latin America/Asia Pacific.
UPI said the Russian company would use local manufacturing and supply chains and will ship its first DVD and video title, “The Bourne Supremacy,” in mid-March.
Previously, UPI was distributed in Russia by local licensees, but Peter Smith, president of Universal Pictures International, said the company now has “a prime opportunity to develop these important emerging markets under Universal Pictures International’s direct leadership.”
