Film4 poaches Universal Pictures boss

UK broadcaster Channel 4 has named David Kosse as new director of its movie division Film4.

Kosse, who is currently president, international, at Universal Pictures will take up his new post on November 1.

At Film4 he will oversee the development, financing and green-lighting of all feature films, and support for the production and distribution of all Film4-backed releases both in the UK and internationally.

He will also be responsible for exploring new partnerships and distribution platforms for Film4 content, and seeking to maximise return on investment for Film4 titles both in the UK and abroad.

Kosse, who will report to Channel 4 CEO David Abraham, replaces Tessa Ross, who left Film4 to take over as chief executive of the National Theatre in March.

“After a very thorough search, I am delighted that David Kosse will lead the next chapter of Film4,” said Abraham.

“David is one of the most respected leaders in the film industry today. He has built impeccable creative relationships with British and international talent and is also steeped in knowledge and experience of changing distribution models in film. I know that David will be a great addition to my management team and I greatly look forward to seeing his vision unfold at 4.”

UK producers association PACT welcomed the appointment.

“David Kosse has long been an accessible and world class executive at Polygram, Momentum and Universal, and Pact welcomes the appointment of such a significant international film industry leader to this crucial role,” said Marc Samuelson, chair of Pact’s Film Policy Group.

“The detail of Film4’s strategy in this new era is of crucial importance to British film producers, and Pact looks forward to working closely with David and the Film Four team to take British Independent Film Production forward.

“Recent statistics from the BFI show that while inward investment is booming, independent film is suffering and Film4 is a cornerstone of our sector.  We hope to work through this difficult time with Film4 as one of our most positive and far-sighted industrial partners, as they have been to date.”