Ex-Nat Geo exec takes over at Film4

Former National Geographic Films president David Battsek will become director of Film4, with current incumbent David Kosse set to join US content financier STX Entertainment.

Battsek (pictured) will join UK broadcaster Channel 4’s feature film division and channel from Cohen Media Group, after fulfilling his contract.

Besides working for Nat Geo, where he bought the acclaimed doc Restrepo, he has also run Miramax Films’ filmed entertainment unit as president. He also spend 14 years at Disney Media Distribution predecessor Buena Vista International and at Palace Pictures.

Kosse is joining STX to launch its international division, having joined at the back-end of 2014 to replace Tessa Ross, who recently launched her own prodco with former Working Title Television chief Juliette Howell.

He will remain with Film4 on a consultancy basis until a transition period ends in October.

Battsek will inherit an annual budget of £25 million (US$35.5 million) to finance movies, which are released both theatrically and on the digital terrestrial Film4 channel.