Don Granger Departs Paramount for Mutual Film Co.; Mutual Films Extends Its First-Look Deal at Paramount.

Entertainment Editors

LOS ANGELES--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--March 5, 2001

Mutual Film Co.'s Gary Levinsohn today announced that veteran studio executive Don Granger will join the company as his partner, effective March 26.

Levinsohn also confirmed that Mutual Films has extended its first-look deal with Paramount for an additional four years.

"All of us at Paramount will miss having Don right down the hall, but we are thrilled that Mutual will still be on the lot and look forward to continuing our association with Gary and Don for a long time to come," said Sherry Lansing, chairman of Paramount Motion Picture Group.

Granger will officially depart Paramount Pictures on March 9, where he has served as executive vice president of Motion Picture Production since 1996. He joined Paramount in 1990, moving steadily up the ranks of the motion picture production group.

During his tenure, he oversaw production and development of many films, including the upcoming "Sum of All Fears" and "Tomb Raider," as well as the hits: "Mission Impossible," Mission Impossible II," "Saving Private Ryan," "Patriot Games," "Clear & Present Danger" and "Kiss the Girls."

"In my role at Paramount, I have worked closely with Gary and Mutual Films for over six years, so this move feels less like a new job and more like the continuation of a great partnership," said Granger. "I will be forever grateful for the opportunities that Sherry Lansing, John Goldwyn and the rest of the Paramount family have given me.

"I gained invaluable experience and knowledge by working alongside the best people at one of the greatest studios in town and now I look forward to continuing my association with Paramount while spreading my wings at Mutual Films."

Prior to Paramount, Granger served as creative exec and director of Development at Touchstone Pictures and as creative executive at Weintraub Productions.

"Don Granger is a great person who brings in-depth knowledge of film production and development that is combined with a rare insider's perspective on how the major studios operate," said Levinsohn. "This promises to be an invaluable asset to both our relationships at home with Paramount and with our partners overseas."

Levinsohn heads Mutual Film Co., which has produced and co-financed several films, including the upcoming "Tomb Raider" starring Angelina Jolie; "The Patriot" starring Mel Gibson; "Man on the Moon" starring Jim Carrey; "Saving Private Ryan" starring Tom Hanks; and "Wonder Boys" starring Michael Douglas.