Dean Bender, Bhi founder and co-president of 42West/Bhi, is retiring at the end of 2022 after more than 40 years in PR, Variety has learned exclusively.
Upon Bender’s exit, 42West/Bhi co-president Shawna Lynch will be elevated to sole president, continuing to lead the division’s content, video games, esports, consumer products and Web3 clients in collaboration with senior vice president Jonah Keel.
“Dean will always be known as a benevolent leader and a creative pioneer who introduced so many industry-changing ways in which to consume entertainment content,” 42West CEO Amanda Lundberg said. “For over three decades, he led a very successful and highly regarded agency that focused on the next generation of the entertainment experience. We are so grateful for his expertise and leadership and wish him a wonderful chapter ahead. In addition, we are very excited for Shawna, a very close ally of Dean’s for over 30 years,...
Upon Bender’s exit, 42West/Bhi co-president Shawna Lynch will be elevated to sole president, continuing to lead the division’s content, video games, esports, consumer products and Web3 clients in collaboration with senior vice president Jonah Keel.
“Dean will always be known as a benevolent leader and a creative pioneer who introduced so many industry-changing ways in which to consume entertainment content,” 42West CEO Amanda Lundberg said. “For over three decades, he led a very successful and highly regarded agency that focused on the next generation of the entertainment experience. We are so grateful for his expertise and leadership and wish him a wonderful chapter ahead. In addition, we are very excited for Shawna, a very close ally of Dean’s for over 30 years,...
- 11/9/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Longtime independent public relations professional Hilda Somarriba has joined 42West as VP in the company’s Los Angeles Entertainment Marketing division.
Somarriba joins existing VP Diana Peters, who has been with the company since last fall. Both report to Annalee Paulo, President—Entertainment Marketing (West Coast), and they will also work closely with CEO Amanda Lundberg and Tom Piechura, President—Entertainment Marketing (East Coast) as well as the entire bicoastal team.
“For ages, I’ve witnessed Hilda successfully guide indie filmmakers and their films from being festival unknowns to taking the awards stage. Her unrivaled passion and PR acumen are great assets for 42West. Diana’s commitment to her clients is steadfast and—coupled with her mastery in above-the-line, crafts PR, and content campaigns—she is unstoppable,” said Paulo. “Hilda and Diana are leaders whose expertise, deep industry connections, and love for entertainment and pop culture are advantages for...
Somarriba joins existing VP Diana Peters, who has been with the company since last fall. Both report to Annalee Paulo, President—Entertainment Marketing (West Coast), and they will also work closely with CEO Amanda Lundberg and Tom Piechura, President—Entertainment Marketing (East Coast) as well as the entire bicoastal team.
“For ages, I’ve witnessed Hilda successfully guide indie filmmakers and their films from being festival unknowns to taking the awards stage. Her unrivaled passion and PR acumen are great assets for 42West. Diana’s commitment to her clients is steadfast and—coupled with her mastery in above-the-line, crafts PR, and content campaigns—she is unstoppable,” said Paulo. “Hilda and Diana are leaders whose expertise, deep industry connections, and love for entertainment and pop culture are advantages for...
- 10/20/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
While the Golden Globes are officially coming back to NBC this January after a one-year hiatus, many in Hollywood are still playing “wait and see” over how whether to participate, with one top publicist telling TheWrap that stars, studios and publicists are “cautiously assessing everything” before determining whether to welcome back the much the Hollywood Foreign Press Association with open arms.
Amanda Lundberg, CEO of 42West who was among the more than 100 publicity executives who declined to participate in HFPA events since March 2021, said publicists and stars are making their own determination on whether the HFPA has instituted enough reforms to warrant participation in its annual awards show.
“There’s no consensus. People will make their own decisions,” Lundberg told TheWrap. “We don’t have to agree on everything, we just have to respect each other.”
Also Read:
How This Year’s Oscar Contenders Will Determine the Health of the...
Amanda Lundberg, CEO of 42West who was among the more than 100 publicity executives who declined to participate in HFPA events since March 2021, said publicists and stars are making their own determination on whether the HFPA has instituted enough reforms to warrant participation in its annual awards show.
“There’s no consensus. People will make their own decisions,” Lundberg told TheWrap. “We don’t have to agree on everything, we just have to respect each other.”
Also Read:
How This Year’s Oscar Contenders Will Determine the Health of the...
- 9/26/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Annalee Paulo has been named president of 42West’s West Coast Entertainment Marketing division. The appointment was made by CEO Amanda Lundberg. Paulo will succeed veteran public relations executive Susan Ciccone who, after 15 years with the company, has decided to leave 42West to spend more time with family in Los Angeles and Virginia.
In her new position, Paulo will work alongside East Coast President Tom Piechura in running the company’s Entertainment Marketing division, which oversees a variety of theatrical, streaming, corporate and personal PR campaigns, and supervising its 30 employees.
“I’m a proud longtime member of 42West,” says Paulo, who is widely respected in Hollywood for her acumen as a publicist and her strong filmmaker client list. “I’m excited to take on this new leadership role within our uniquely collaborative, team-based culture as we continue to expertly guide our clients through an ever-changing and energized media/content landscape.
In her new position, Paulo will work alongside East Coast President Tom Piechura in running the company’s Entertainment Marketing division, which oversees a variety of theatrical, streaming, corporate and personal PR campaigns, and supervising its 30 employees.
“I’m a proud longtime member of 42West,” says Paulo, who is widely respected in Hollywood for her acumen as a publicist and her strong filmmaker client list. “I’m excited to take on this new leadership role within our uniquely collaborative, team-based culture as we continue to expertly guide our clients through an ever-changing and energized media/content landscape.
- 9/24/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Sadly, we've just learned that famed novelist and screenwriter Larry McMurtry has passed away at age 84. Famously known for his stirring depictions of the American West and unromantic take on life on the 19th-century frontier, McMurtry died in Texas on Thursday. His death was confirmed by Amanda Lundberg, a spokeswoman for the family. Though she reported the death,…...
- 3/26/2021
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Larry McMurtry, who won an Oscar for penning Brokeback Mountain, earned a nomination for The Last Picture Show and authored books that spawned Emmy winner Lonesome Dove and Best Picture Oscar winner Terms of Endearment, died Thursday of heart failure. He was 84. The news was confirmed to media outlets by family spokeswoman and 42West CEO Amanda Lundberg.
McMurtry — whose son is the singer-songwriter James McMurtry — won the Pulitzer Prize for writing Lonesome Done, which became a popular 1989 CBS miniseries and spawned a sequel and a syndicated series, and was awarded the 2014 National Humanities Medal by President Obama.
McMurtry’s 1975 book Terms of Endearment became the 1983 film from writer-director-producer James L. Brooks. Starring MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, Jeff Daniels and John Lithgow, the pic was a commercial smash and led all films with 11 Oscar noms. Along with Best Pictrure, it earned Academy Awards for Shirley MacLaine, Nicholson and...
McMurtry — whose son is the singer-songwriter James McMurtry — won the Pulitzer Prize for writing Lonesome Done, which became a popular 1989 CBS miniseries and spawned a sequel and a syndicated series, and was awarded the 2014 National Humanities Medal by President Obama.
McMurtry’s 1975 book Terms of Endearment became the 1983 film from writer-director-producer James L. Brooks. Starring MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, Jeff Daniels and John Lithgow, the pic was a commercial smash and led all films with 11 Oscar noms. Along with Best Pictrure, it earned Academy Awards for Shirley MacLaine, Nicholson and...
- 3/26/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Larry McMurtry, the Texas-born novelist who authored Lonesome Dove, The Last Picture Show and Terms of Endearment and won an Oscar for co-writing the adapted screenplay for Brokeback Mountain, has died. He was 84.
McMurtry’s death was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by his rep, Amanda Lundberg.
McMurtry was the author of 29 novels, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Lonesome Dove, three memoirs, two collections of essays and more than 30 screenplays. He wrote five pages a day — no more, no less — on a manual typewriter.
His first published novel, 1961’s Horseman, Pass By, set in Texas ranching country, became the 1963 Paramount drama Hud, starring Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas and Patricia ...
McMurtry’s death was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by his rep, Amanda Lundberg.
McMurtry was the author of 29 novels, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Lonesome Dove, three memoirs, two collections of essays and more than 30 screenplays. He wrote five pages a day — no more, no less — on a manual typewriter.
His first published novel, 1961’s Horseman, Pass By, set in Texas ranching country, became the 1963 Paramount drama Hud, starring Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas and Patricia ...
- 3/26/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Larry McMurtry, the Texas-born novelist who authored Lonesome Dove, The Last Picture Show and Terms of Endearment and won an Oscar for co-writing the adapted screenplay for Brokeback Mountain, has died. He was 84.
McMurtry’s death on Thursday was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by his rep, Amanda Lundberg. No other details were immediately available.
McMurtry was the author of 29 novels, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Lonesome Dove, three memoirs, two collections of essays and more than 30 screenplays. He wrote five pages a day — no more, no less — on a manual typewriter.
His first published novel, 1961’s Horseman, Pass By, set in Texas ranching country, became the 1963 ...
McMurtry’s death on Thursday was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by his rep, Amanda Lundberg. No other details were immediately available.
McMurtry was the author of 29 novels, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Lonesome Dove, three memoirs, two collections of essays and more than 30 screenplays. He wrote five pages a day — no more, no less — on a manual typewriter.
His first published novel, 1961’s Horseman, Pass By, set in Texas ranching country, became the 1963 ...
- 3/26/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Entertainment marketing and production company Dolphin Entertainment is acquiring boutique gaming and e-sports PR firm B/Hi, formerly known as Bender/Helper Impact.
Under the terms of the deal, B/Hi will operate as a division of public relations agency and Dolphin subsidiary 42West, with B/Hi founder Dean Bender and Shawna Lynch leading the unit as co-presidents. B/Hi, founded by Bender in 1986, specializes in corporate and product communications across gaming, e-sports, entertainment programming and consumer products groups.
“The acquisition of B/Hi provides a tremendous gateway into the last remaining large vertical of entertainment for our Super Group – video gaming and esports,” said Dolphin CEO Bill O’Dowd. “Video gamers are celebrities in their own right, and among the most popular social media influencers in the world. We believe the opportunities to cross-sell services with B/Hi will be numerous, as will be the possibilities to create original content and live events.
Under the terms of the deal, B/Hi will operate as a division of public relations agency and Dolphin subsidiary 42West, with B/Hi founder Dean Bender and Shawna Lynch leading the unit as co-presidents. B/Hi, founded by Bender in 1986, specializes in corporate and product communications across gaming, e-sports, entertainment programming and consumer products groups.
“The acquisition of B/Hi provides a tremendous gateway into the last remaining large vertical of entertainment for our Super Group – video gaming and esports,” said Dolphin CEO Bill O’Dowd. “Video gamers are celebrities in their own right, and among the most popular social media influencers in the world. We believe the opportunities to cross-sell services with B/Hi will be numerous, as will be the possibilities to create original content and live events.
- 1/12/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Cassandra Vargas, who previously served as Vice President of Entertainment Strategies at Rogers & Cowan/Pmk, has joined the Los Angeles office of 42West as Vice President in the Entertainment Marketing Division. The company has also promoted its west coast public relations professionals Greg Cortez, Britney Ross, and Julia Rossen to VP roles. All are joining existing VPs Tara Fitzpatrick Portanova, Todd Nickels and Jodie Oriol in New York, and Ashton Fontana, Jordan Van Brink, and Megan Zehmer in LA.
“We are so happy that Cass has joined us. Her tremendous expertise, relationships, creativity, and ability to collaborate on all types of campaigns are a perfect fit within our culture and integral to our growth,” said CEO Amanda Lundberg, who made the announcement. “Greg, Britney, and Julia have all done excellent work representing longtime clients while also bringing new talent to the firm. They are outstanding, innovative strategists and their...
“We are so happy that Cass has joined us. Her tremendous expertise, relationships, creativity, and ability to collaborate on all types of campaigns are a perfect fit within our culture and integral to our growth,” said CEO Amanda Lundberg, who made the announcement. “Greg, Britney, and Julia have all done excellent work representing longtime clients while also bringing new talent to the firm. They are outstanding, innovative strategists and their...
- 12/9/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
42West execs Bianca Bianconi, Michael Gagliardo and Whitney Tancred have been promoted to executive VP and have also been named Co-Heads of the company’s talent division.
The trio will report to 42West CEO Amanda Lundberg and also work closely with company Presidents Susie Arons, Susan Ciccone and Tom Piechura. Bianconi, Gagliardo, and Tancred will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company’s bi-coastal talent department, which focuses on creating and implementing strategic communication campaigns for a wide variety of performers and entertainers, including television, theater and film actors, Recording artists, authors, models, fashion designers, as well as activists and charitable endeavors.
“Bianca, Michael, and Whitney are extremely talented PR professionals with great taste and integrity that have long proven themselves to be invaluable advisors for their clients in all areas of the entertainment and activism space. They are also expert strategic partners with the unique ability to collaborate on...
The trio will report to 42West CEO Amanda Lundberg and also work closely with company Presidents Susie Arons, Susan Ciccone and Tom Piechura. Bianconi, Gagliardo, and Tancred will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company’s bi-coastal talent department, which focuses on creating and implementing strategic communication campaigns for a wide variety of performers and entertainers, including television, theater and film actors, Recording artists, authors, models, fashion designers, as well as activists and charitable endeavors.
“Bianca, Michael, and Whitney are extremely talented PR professionals with great taste and integrity that have long proven themselves to be invaluable advisors for their clients in all areas of the entertainment and activism space. They are also expert strategic partners with the unique ability to collaborate on...
- 8/27/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, the Fanning sisters’ “The Nightingale” has been set for Christmas, “Gladiator” gets a 20-year anniversary release, 42West reorganizes, a horror film partnership is unveiled and Abramorama promotes Evan Saxon.
Release Date
Sony Pictures has set a Christmas Day release for the drama “The Nightingale,” starring sisters Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning.
Melanie Laurent directed the adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s bestseller, which centered on two sisters struggling to survive while in the French resistance during the Nazi occupation of France during World War II. Dana Stevens wrote the screenplay adaptation. Elizabeth Cantillon produced through her production company The Cantillon Company.
“The Nightingale” will open against Paramount/Skydance’s “The Tomorrow War,” 20th Century Studios/Disney’s “The Last Duel” and Universal’s “News of the World.”
Special Showings
Fathom Events and Paramount Pictures have scheduled three showings of “Gladiator” in April to commemorate the movie’s 20th anniversary.
Release Date
Sony Pictures has set a Christmas Day release for the drama “The Nightingale,” starring sisters Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning.
Melanie Laurent directed the adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s bestseller, which centered on two sisters struggling to survive while in the French resistance during the Nazi occupation of France during World War II. Dana Stevens wrote the screenplay adaptation. Elizabeth Cantillon produced through her production company The Cantillon Company.
“The Nightingale” will open against Paramount/Skydance’s “The Tomorrow War,” 20th Century Studios/Disney’s “The Last Duel” and Universal’s “News of the World.”
Special Showings
Fathom Events and Paramount Pictures have scheduled three showings of “Gladiator” in April to commemorate the movie’s 20th anniversary.
- 3/3/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: In a major shakeup at the entertainment publicity/marketing firm 42West, preeminent publicist Leslee Dart will shed the co-ceo title she has shared with Amanda Lundberg. Dart will take a newly created senior strategic advisor role at Dolphin Entertainment, which made 42West its first acquisition in the PR/marketing space in a $28 million deal in 2017. Lundberg will become sole CEO and run 42West day to day from its New York headquarters.
Dolphin subsequently acquired The Door and Viewpoint Creative, and most recently the music PR firm Shore Fire. Two more acquisitions in the space will be made this year, and Dart will take on a supervisory role in pulling those pieces together and making them compatible as Dolphin continues to grow under president Bill O’Dowd. Because the company is publicly traded, the principals were not specific on the title Dart will hold at Dolphin, but word began getting around...
Dolphin subsequently acquired The Door and Viewpoint Creative, and most recently the music PR firm Shore Fire. Two more acquisitions in the space will be made this year, and Dart will take on a supervisory role in pulling those pieces together and making them compatible as Dolphin continues to grow under president Bill O’Dowd. Because the company is publicly traded, the principals were not specific on the title Dart will hold at Dolphin, but word began getting around...
- 3/2/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: 42West has hired former Rubenstein Evp Katie Schroeder as the firm’s Evp of Strategic Communications.
Simultaneously, 42West has promoted Rachel Aberly, Scott Feinstein and Annalee Paulo to Evp and Tara Fitzpatrick Portanova and Megan Zehmer to VP, all in the company’s Entertainment Marketing Division.
With Fitzpatrick Portanova and Zehmer’s promotions, they join Ashton Fontana, Jodie Magid Oriol, Todd Nickels and Jordan Van Brink as Vice Presidents in the company’s Entertainment Marketing Division.
Schroeder will report to Strategic Communications Division President Susie Arons, while the five report to Entertainment Marketing Division Presidents Susan Ciccone and Tom Piechura.
“Katie is among the most well-respected public relations professionals in the industry, and it will be incredible to bring her talents and expertise to our company. Rachel, Scott and Annalee have been part of our leadership — and a major driving force behind the ongoing success of our company — for many years,...
Simultaneously, 42West has promoted Rachel Aberly, Scott Feinstein and Annalee Paulo to Evp and Tara Fitzpatrick Portanova and Megan Zehmer to VP, all in the company’s Entertainment Marketing Division.
With Fitzpatrick Portanova and Zehmer’s promotions, they join Ashton Fontana, Jodie Magid Oriol, Todd Nickels and Jordan Van Brink as Vice Presidents in the company’s Entertainment Marketing Division.
Schroeder will report to Strategic Communications Division President Susie Arons, while the five report to Entertainment Marketing Division Presidents Susan Ciccone and Tom Piechura.
“Katie is among the most well-respected public relations professionals in the industry, and it will be incredible to bring her talents and expertise to our company. Rachel, Scott and Annalee have been part of our leadership — and a major driving force behind the ongoing success of our company — for many years,...
- 1/27/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
PR firm 42West has named PR veteran Susie Arons as president of strategic communications.
Based in New York, Arons will oversee the bi-coastal operations of the strategic communications division and report to 42 West co-CEOs Leslee Dart and Amanda Lundberg. She will work closely with 42West entertainment marketing presidents Susan Ciccone and Tom Piechura.
Prior to 42West, Arons was managing director of Rubenstein Strategic Communications where she worked with clients including A24 Films, AMC Networks, Color Force and Focus Features. Before joining Rubenstein, Arons worked in publicity for Radio City Entertainment/Msg, handling PR for events such as MTV Video Music Awards and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
“Susie is one of the most well-respected public relations professionals in the industry, with a long track record of success in so many areas. We couldn’t be happier to bring her leadership and expertise into our company,” said Dart and Lundberg.
Arons...
Based in New York, Arons will oversee the bi-coastal operations of the strategic communications division and report to 42 West co-CEOs Leslee Dart and Amanda Lundberg. She will work closely with 42West entertainment marketing presidents Susan Ciccone and Tom Piechura.
Prior to 42West, Arons was managing director of Rubenstein Strategic Communications where she worked with clients including A24 Films, AMC Networks, Color Force and Focus Features. Before joining Rubenstein, Arons worked in publicity for Radio City Entertainment/Msg, handling PR for events such as MTV Video Music Awards and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
“Susie is one of the most well-respected public relations professionals in the industry, with a long track record of success in so many areas. We couldn’t be happier to bring her leadership and expertise into our company,” said Dart and Lundberg.
Arons...
- 12/18/2019
- by Lorraine Wheat
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Public relations exec Susie Arons has joined 42West as President, Strategic Communications.
In her new role, Arons will oversee the bi-coastal operations of the firm’s Strategic Communications division, which specializes in counsel, corporate positioning, brand enhancement, media relations and crisis management. Arons will be based in New York and report to Co-CEOs Leslee Dart and Amanda Lundberg. She joins a senior management team within the company that also includes Presidents of Entertainment Marketing Susan Ciccone and Tom Piechura. Arons’ expertise covers a wide array of fields including film, television, corporate and crisis communications, media training/messaging, brand building, film finance, product launches, live events and cause-related marketing.
Prior to 42West, Arons served as Managing Director of Rubinstein Strategic Communications since 2004. In that positon, her clients included Jimmy Iovine/Apple Music, A24 Films, AMC Networks, BMW, the Aclu, Amazon Studios, Child Mind Institute, Color Force, Focus Features, Jonah Hill,...
In her new role, Arons will oversee the bi-coastal operations of the firm’s Strategic Communications division, which specializes in counsel, corporate positioning, brand enhancement, media relations and crisis management. Arons will be based in New York and report to Co-CEOs Leslee Dart and Amanda Lundberg. She joins a senior management team within the company that also includes Presidents of Entertainment Marketing Susan Ciccone and Tom Piechura. Arons’ expertise covers a wide array of fields including film, television, corporate and crisis communications, media training/messaging, brand building, film finance, product launches, live events and cause-related marketing.
Prior to 42West, Arons served as Managing Director of Rubinstein Strategic Communications since 2004. In that positon, her clients included Jimmy Iovine/Apple Music, A24 Films, AMC Networks, BMW, the Aclu, Amazon Studios, Child Mind Institute, Color Force, Focus Features, Jonah Hill,...
- 12/17/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
42West Co-CEO Allan Mayer is in the hospital due to injuries from an Oct. 17 car accident, Variety has confirmed.
The public relations firm described the crash as “serious” and said that he had surgery on Oct. 20 to help repair multiple broken bones.
“Allan and his family thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support as he recuperates in the hospital,” said a statement from 42West.
Mayer leads 42West alongside fellow co-CEOs Leslee Dart and Amanda Lundberg. There were no further details available on Tuesday.
42West describes itself as one of the entertainment industry’s leading, independent public relations agencies with capabilities encompassing entertainment and digital marketing as well as talent publicity and strategic communications. It has offices in Los Angeles and New York.
In 2017, 42West became part of Dolphin Entertainment, a publicly-traded producer of family-oriented feature films and digital content that is delivered to more than 500 million homes in 125 countries.
The public relations firm described the crash as “serious” and said that he had surgery on Oct. 20 to help repair multiple broken bones.
“Allan and his family thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support as he recuperates in the hospital,” said a statement from 42West.
Mayer leads 42West alongside fellow co-CEOs Leslee Dart and Amanda Lundberg. There were no further details available on Tuesday.
42West describes itself as one of the entertainment industry’s leading, independent public relations agencies with capabilities encompassing entertainment and digital marketing as well as talent publicity and strategic communications. It has offices in Los Angeles and New York.
In 2017, 42West became part of Dolphin Entertainment, a publicly-traded producer of family-oriented feature films and digital content that is delivered to more than 500 million homes in 125 countries.
- 10/22/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Our prayers go out to Allan Mayer, the venerable publicist who co-runs 42West. Mayer has been in the hospital since being involved in a serious car accident last Thursday.
I’ve confirmed this with 42West, which Mayer runs along with co-CEOs Leslee Dart and Amanda Lundberg. I’m told that Mayer had surgery on Sunday to help repair multiple broken bones.
“Allan and his family thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support as he recuperates in the hospital,” the firm told me in a statement. There were no further details available at the moment but Deadline will report Mayer’s progress when those details do become available.
I’ve confirmed this with 42West, which Mayer runs along with co-CEOs Leslee Dart and Amanda Lundberg. I’m told that Mayer had surgery on Sunday to help repair multiple broken bones.
“Allan and his family thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support as he recuperates in the hospital,” the firm told me in a statement. There were no further details available at the moment but Deadline will report Mayer’s progress when those details do become available.
- 10/22/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Publicist Jodie Magid Oriol has joined 42West as a Vice President in its New York Entertainment Marketing Division. Company Co-CEO’s Leslee Dart, Amanda Lundberg and Allan Mayer made the hire.
Prior to joining 42West, Oriol worked at Pmk-bnc, where she collaborated on such clients as filmmakers Marielle Heller and Aaron Sorkin, composer/lyricist and playwright Joe Iconis; multi-hyphenate Catherine Reitman and actress Rachel Bay Jones. In addition, she is also currently working with screenwriter/producer Charles Randolph and actor Roman Griffin Davis. Before joining Pmk, Oriol was a senior veep of publicity at Lionsgate.
Oriol will work closely with Dart, Lundberg and Entertainment Marketing Division Presidents Tom Piechura and Susan Ciccone.
“We are so excited to welcome Jodie to our 42West team,” Dart, Lundberg and Mayer said in a statement. “She has been a valued friend and colleague to us in numerous capacities through the years, and will be...
Prior to joining 42West, Oriol worked at Pmk-bnc, where she collaborated on such clients as filmmakers Marielle Heller and Aaron Sorkin, composer/lyricist and playwright Joe Iconis; multi-hyphenate Catherine Reitman and actress Rachel Bay Jones. In addition, she is also currently working with screenwriter/producer Charles Randolph and actor Roman Griffin Davis. Before joining Pmk, Oriol was a senior veep of publicity at Lionsgate.
Oriol will work closely with Dart, Lundberg and Entertainment Marketing Division Presidents Tom Piechura and Susan Ciccone.
“We are so excited to welcome Jodie to our 42West team,” Dart, Lundberg and Mayer said in a statement. “She has been a valued friend and colleague to us in numerous capacities through the years, and will be...
- 8/27/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The talent offices at 42West just got a slew of new clients from the Great White Way.
Stage and filmed content rep Michael Gagliardo has joined the talent agency, making the jump from his longtime home at Pmk-bnc, Variety has learned exclusively.
Gagliardo brings with him more than a dozen clients including Tony award-winning star of “Dear Evan Hansen” Ben Platt, Tony-winning actress Anika Noni Rose, Tony-nominated actress from “The Cher Show” Stephanie J. Block, and Christopher Jackson.
Gagliardo brings with him assistant Sasha Klimchuk, and additional clients like “Orange is the New Black” star Dascha Polanco.
“We are thrilled to welcome Michael and Sasha to 42West. Their stellar reputations in working with theater, tv and film clients is a perfect compliment to our growing talent department,” 42West Co-CEOs Leslee Dart, Amanda Lundberg and Allan Mayer said in a statement.
Pmk-Bnc chairman and CEO Cindi Berger said Gagliardo “was with us for 12 years.
Stage and filmed content rep Michael Gagliardo has joined the talent agency, making the jump from his longtime home at Pmk-bnc, Variety has learned exclusively.
Gagliardo brings with him more than a dozen clients including Tony award-winning star of “Dear Evan Hansen” Ben Platt, Tony-winning actress Anika Noni Rose, Tony-nominated actress from “The Cher Show” Stephanie J. Block, and Christopher Jackson.
Gagliardo brings with him assistant Sasha Klimchuk, and additional clients like “Orange is the New Black” star Dascha Polanco.
“We are thrilled to welcome Michael and Sasha to 42West. Their stellar reputations in working with theater, tv and film clients is a perfect compliment to our growing talent department,” 42West Co-CEOs Leslee Dart, Amanda Lundberg and Allan Mayer said in a statement.
Pmk-Bnc chairman and CEO Cindi Berger said Gagliardo “was with us for 12 years.
- 5/2/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran film publicists Susan Ciccone and Tom Piechura have been promoted from managing directors to co-presidents of Entertainment Marketing at PR powerhouse 42West, the firm said today.
Ciccone, who joined 42West in 2007, heads up the company’s West Coast entertainment marketing team, while Piechura, who has been with the company since its inception in 2004, leads the East Coast team.
“Susan and Tom are without doubt the premiere film publicists in the business and we are delighted to accord them the recognition they so richly deserve,” said 42West co-CEOs Leslee Dart, Amanda Lundberg and Allan Mayer. “Their untiring efforts and creative vision have played an integral role in making 42West what it is today. We look forward to working alongside them and benefiting from their leadership for many years to come.”
In their time at 42West, Ciccone and Piechura have between them overseen close to a thousand national film and TV...
Ciccone, who joined 42West in 2007, heads up the company’s West Coast entertainment marketing team, while Piechura, who has been with the company since its inception in 2004, leads the East Coast team.
“Susan and Tom are without doubt the premiere film publicists in the business and we are delighted to accord them the recognition they so richly deserve,” said 42West co-CEOs Leslee Dart, Amanda Lundberg and Allan Mayer. “Their untiring efforts and creative vision have played an integral role in making 42West what it is today. We look forward to working alongside them and benefiting from their leadership for many years to come.”
In their time at 42West, Ciccone and Piechura have between them overseen close to a thousand national film and TV...
- 3/6/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Veteran publicist Bianca Bianconi has joined 42West’s New York Talent team, bringing with her a diverse client list spanning film, television, music, and fashion that includes Liv Tyler, Rufus Wainwright, Frank Grillo, Alexa Chung, Christian Siriano, Nico Tortorella, Electric Lady Studios, Jesse Jo Stark, SimiHaze, Rainsford (Rainey Qualley), Mena Suvari, Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor, and Erin Wasson, among many others.
Bianconi had previously worked at Slate PR, where she was a VP of Publicity in New York. Prior, she spent nine years at Pmk-Hbh. Her associate, Devin Sauschuck, will be coming to 42West with her, joining the staff as a junior publicist.
“Bianca and I worked together early on in our careers and I’m delighted to be able to resume our professional association,” said 42West Co-ceo Leslee Dart, who heads the firm’s Talent Division. “In addition to being a friend, she is a first-rate...
Bianconi had previously worked at Slate PR, where she was a VP of Publicity in New York. Prior, she spent nine years at Pmk-Hbh. Her associate, Devin Sauschuck, will be coming to 42West with her, joining the staff as a junior publicist.
“Bianca and I worked together early on in our careers and I’m delighted to be able to resume our professional association,” said 42West Co-ceo Leslee Dart, who heads the firm’s Talent Division. “In addition to being a friend, she is a first-rate...
- 10/17/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran publicists Alyx Carr, Juliana Plotkin and Whitney Tancred have joined the Talent Division at entertainment PR and marketing firm 42West, bringing with them a long list of actors, actresses, and recording artists. Carr will be based in New York, with Plotkin and Tancred working out of the agency’s Los Angeles office.
“We’re always on the lookout for good people, and finding three practitioners with the ability and experience of Alyx, Juliana, and Whitney was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,” said 42West Co-ceo Leslee Dart, who heads the firm’s Talent Division. “We’re thrilled to have them.”
Prior to joining 42West, Carr worked at Wolf-Kasteler. Her clients include Alisha Boe, Aldis Hodge, Sara Paxton, Ali Fazal, Jessica Sula, Shawn Hatosy, Bresha Webb, Elvy Yost and Jerrika Hinton.
A music specialist, Plotkin initially made a name for herself at Capitol Records and DreamWorks Records. Most recently,...
“We’re always on the lookout for good people, and finding three practitioners with the ability and experience of Alyx, Juliana, and Whitney was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,” said 42West Co-ceo Leslee Dart, who heads the firm’s Talent Division. “We’re thrilled to have them.”
Prior to joining 42West, Carr worked at Wolf-Kasteler. Her clients include Alisha Boe, Aldis Hodge, Sara Paxton, Ali Fazal, Jessica Sula, Shawn Hatosy, Bresha Webb, Elvy Yost and Jerrika Hinton.
A music specialist, Plotkin initially made a name for herself at Capitol Records and DreamWorks Records. Most recently,...
- 10/1/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
42West parent company Dolphin Entertainment has expanded its marketing/PR footprint with the acquisition of The Door, a leading lifestyle and hospitality public relations, creative branding and marketing services agency hatched a decade ago by co-founders Lois Najarian O’Neill and Charlie Dougiello.
The two companies will operate separately, but Dolphin Entertainment CEO William O’Dowd said there is symmetry and opportunity between the new acquisition and the entertainment PR firm run by Leslee Dart, Amanda Lundberg and Allan Mayer. He pointed to a recent Observer article that ranked the pair as the third and fourth most powerful PR firms in the U.S. as reason to believe Dolphin has expanded in a compatible way.
The Door’s client list ranges from celebrity chefs like Rachael Ray to hotel groups like Viceroy Hotels and Resorts to restaurant chains such as Starr Restaurants to consumer brands such as Fao Schwarz. Najarian O’Neill,...
The two companies will operate separately, but Dolphin Entertainment CEO William O’Dowd said there is symmetry and opportunity between the new acquisition and the entertainment PR firm run by Leslee Dart, Amanda Lundberg and Allan Mayer. He pointed to a recent Observer article that ranked the pair as the third and fourth most powerful PR firms in the U.S. as reason to believe Dolphin has expanded in a compatible way.
The Door’s client list ranges from celebrity chefs like Rachael Ray to hotel groups like Viceroy Hotels and Resorts to restaurant chains such as Starr Restaurants to consumer brands such as Fao Schwarz. Najarian O’Neill,...
- 7/11/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Former 42West publicists Amanda Silverman, Meredith O’Sullivan Wasson and Sarah Levinson Rothman, who left their previous roles last week, have formed their own firm: The Lede Company, focusing on strategic communications and brand and reputation management.
The three women, all former managing directors at 42West, will serve as co-CEOs for the new company, with O’Sullivan Wasson based in Los Angeles and Silverman and Rothman based in New York.
Among the A-list clients they’ll be bringing along with them are Rihanna, Will Smith, Reese Witherspoon, Queen Latifah, Charlize Theron, Lady Gaga, Emma Stone, Illumination, Anonymous Content, Pharrell, Amy Schumer, Penelope Cruz, PepsiCo, Jennifer Garner, Jessica Biel, Mary J Blige, and Halle Berry.
“The three of us have been privileged to work closely together for the last decade, and during that time, we have found that each of our individual styles and specialties in the talent and corporate worlds complement each other,...
The three women, all former managing directors at 42West, will serve as co-CEOs for the new company, with O’Sullivan Wasson based in Los Angeles and Silverman and Rothman based in New York.
Among the A-list clients they’ll be bringing along with them are Rihanna, Will Smith, Reese Witherspoon, Queen Latifah, Charlize Theron, Lady Gaga, Emma Stone, Illumination, Anonymous Content, Pharrell, Amy Schumer, Penelope Cruz, PepsiCo, Jennifer Garner, Jessica Biel, Mary J Blige, and Halle Berry.
“The three of us have been privileged to work closely together for the last decade, and during that time, we have found that each of our individual styles and specialties in the talent and corporate worlds complement each other,...
- 6/12/2018
- by Debra Birnbaum
- Variety Film + TV
Amanda Silverman, Sarah Levinson Rothman, and Meredith O’Sullivan Wasson, three longtime publicists at the New York firm 42West, are leaving to start their own company, according to a memo sent out on Friday afternoon.
“This is a bittersweet announcement for us, as Sarah, Amanda and Meredith all played an integral role in our growth and, more important, have become dear friends for whom we have enormous affection,” 42West co-CEOs Leslee Dart, Amanda Lundberg, and Allan Mayer said in a statement. “But though we hate to see them leave us, we understand the entrepreneurial urge and we wish them the best of luck in their new enterprise.”
It’s not clear what their new company will be called or if they will take all their clients with them.
Silverman’s roster includes Lady Gaga, Charlize Theron, John Legend, and Rihanna. Rothman has worked with Adidas, Rolex, and Anonymous Content. Wasson...
“This is a bittersweet announcement for us, as Sarah, Amanda and Meredith all played an integral role in our growth and, more important, have become dear friends for whom we have enormous affection,” 42West co-CEOs Leslee Dart, Amanda Lundberg, and Allan Mayer said in a statement. “But though we hate to see them leave us, we understand the entrepreneurial urge and we wish them the best of luck in their new enterprise.”
It’s not clear what their new company will be called or if they will take all their clients with them.
Silverman’s roster includes Lady Gaga, Charlize Theron, John Legend, and Rihanna. Rothman has worked with Adidas, Rolex, and Anonymous Content. Wasson...
- 6/8/2018
- by Ramin Setoodeh
- Variety Film + TV
Longtime 42 West publicists Sarah Levinson Rothman, Amanda Silverman and Meredith O’Sullivan Wasson are leaving the PR giant in favor of starting their own firm.
“This is a bittersweet announcement for us, as Sarah, Amanda and Meredith all played an integral role in our growth and, more important, have become dear friends for whom we have enormous affection,” 42West Co-CEOs Leslee Dart, Amanda Lundberg and Allan Mayer said in a statement. “But though we hate to see them leave us, we understand the entrepreneurial urge and we wish them the best of luck in their new enterprise.”
Also Read: Former Publicists for ID, 42West Launch Narrative Public Relations
There aren’t many details yet on the the three PR agents’ new firm. The trio just the latest in a line of former 42West publicists to start out on their own in the last year.
Silverman began her career in PR as a receptionist at Pmk,...
“This is a bittersweet announcement for us, as Sarah, Amanda and Meredith all played an integral role in our growth and, more important, have become dear friends for whom we have enormous affection,” 42West Co-CEOs Leslee Dart, Amanda Lundberg and Allan Mayer said in a statement. “But though we hate to see them leave us, we understand the entrepreneurial urge and we wish them the best of luck in their new enterprise.”
Also Read: Former Publicists for ID, 42West Launch Narrative Public Relations
There aren’t many details yet on the the three PR agents’ new firm. The trio just the latest in a line of former 42West publicists to start out on their own in the last year.
Silverman began her career in PR as a receptionist at Pmk,...
- 6/8/2018
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Hollywood PR giant 42West said that that longtime publicists Sarah Levinson Rothman, Amanda Silverman, and Meredith O’Sullivan Wasson are leaving the company to start their own firm. The trio, with a slew of big clients, are the latest to peel away from big PR agencies to form their own shops.
“This is a bittersweet announcement for us, as Sarah, Amanda, and Meredith all played an integral role in our growth and, more important, have become dear friends for whom we have enormous affection,” 42West’s co-CEOs Leslee Dart, Amanda Lundberg and Allan Mayer said in a joint statement. “But though we hate to see them leave us, we understand the entrepreneurial urge and we wish them the best of luck in their new enterprise.”
No details yet on the nature of the new entity.
42West said Silverman began her career in PR as a receptionist at Pmk, where Dart was president,...
“This is a bittersweet announcement for us, as Sarah, Amanda, and Meredith all played an integral role in our growth and, more important, have become dear friends for whom we have enormous affection,” 42West’s co-CEOs Leslee Dart, Amanda Lundberg and Allan Mayer said in a joint statement. “But though we hate to see them leave us, we understand the entrepreneurial urge and we wish them the best of luck in their new enterprise.”
No details yet on the nature of the new entity.
42West said Silverman began her career in PR as a receptionist at Pmk, where Dart was president,...
- 6/8/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Entertainment PR bigwig 42West is expanding its below-the-line publicity group, setting Rachel Aberly to spearhead the now bi-coastal division that will focus on strategies showcasing the work of film and TV crafts artists for both awards-season and overall release campaigns.
The new commitment will allow Aberly and her team to tap the expertise of other 42West divisions, giving campaigns more depth and widening the pool of stories available to tell in the craft space.
Aberly joined 42West’s Los Angeles office in May 2017 for her second stint with the firm, after spending seven years at Pmk. She had been a unit publicist and has worked at Participant, MGM and TriStar.
“As a longtime studio publicist, unit publicist and agency executive, Rachel has an unparalleled and deep understanding and affection for their work,” co-CEOs Leslee Dart and Amanda Lundberg said. “Her approach is unique due to the 20 years she spent...
The new commitment will allow Aberly and her team to tap the expertise of other 42West divisions, giving campaigns more depth and widening the pool of stories available to tell in the craft space.
Aberly joined 42West’s Los Angeles office in May 2017 for her second stint with the firm, after spending seven years at Pmk. She had been a unit publicist and has worked at Participant, MGM and TriStar.
“As a longtime studio publicist, unit publicist and agency executive, Rachel has an unparalleled and deep understanding and affection for their work,” co-CEOs Leslee Dart and Amanda Lundberg said. “Her approach is unique due to the 20 years she spent...
- 5/8/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Strike Zone: Latest news and updates
For film publicists who rely on the oxygen of late-night television to breathe life into their campaigns, the strike has been a punch to the gut.
Television networks this week have been busy tallying production casualties, but on the theatrical side, studios and specialty divisions have begun counting a different toll: lost bookings.
A fall season already difficult because of a crowded calendar just became even more challenging. Movies due for release in the coming weeks -- films as diverse as "Lions for Lambs", "Fred Claus", "No Country for Old Men" and "August Rush" -- will now join a scramble for other, sometimes less optimal, television slots.
They'll also be forced to seek out such shorter lead-time outlets as newspapers and radio.
Nearly every day in the coming weeks will bring a new victim. On Tuesday, for instance, MGM's "Lambs" lost a "Tonight Show With Jay Leno" booking for Meryl Streep.
"Late-night shows are cornerstones of a good campaign because a late-night audience is a moviegoing audience," said 42West's Amanda Lundberg, who is working on MGM's "Lambs" campaign. "And there is no replacement for the charisma of the actors reminding us why we like them."
Lundberg noted that on "Lambs", coverage from "Larry King Live", "Good Morning America" and Time magazine are filling the void -- somewhat.
And while specialty movies tend to rely less on the late-night bang, the strike has made few distinctions between size or type of picture.
For film publicists who rely on the oxygen of late-night television to breathe life into their campaigns, the strike has been a punch to the gut.
Television networks this week have been busy tallying production casualties, but on the theatrical side, studios and specialty divisions have begun counting a different toll: lost bookings.
A fall season already difficult because of a crowded calendar just became even more challenging. Movies due for release in the coming weeks -- films as diverse as "Lions for Lambs", "Fred Claus", "No Country for Old Men" and "August Rush" -- will now join a scramble for other, sometimes less optimal, television slots.
They'll also be forced to seek out such shorter lead-time outlets as newspapers and radio.
Nearly every day in the coming weeks will bring a new victim. On Tuesday, for instance, MGM's "Lambs" lost a "Tonight Show With Jay Leno" booking for Meryl Streep.
"Late-night shows are cornerstones of a good campaign because a late-night audience is a moviegoing audience," said 42West's Amanda Lundberg, who is working on MGM's "Lambs" campaign. "And there is no replacement for the charisma of the actors reminding us why we like them."
Lundberg noted that on "Lambs", coverage from "Larry King Live", "Good Morning America" and Time magazine are filling the void -- somewhat.
And while specialty movies tend to rely less on the late-night bang, the strike has made few distinctions between size or type of picture.
- 11/7/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Liza Burnett has been named executive vp at the Weinstein Co., Bob and Harvey Weinstein, to whom she'll report, announced Friday. Burnett, who spent the past six years at Dan Klores Communications, will be based in New York, where she will head domestic publicity, including oversight of all PR staff and the company's extensive film roster, for the Weinstein Co. and its genre label, Dimension Films. Burnett, who joins the company Sept. 12, steps into the position held by Amanda Lundberg at the Weinsteins' previous company, Miramax Films. Lundberg resigned from Miramax in May to partner with Leslee Dart, Cynthia Swartz and Robert Garlock in a new, New York-based publicity company (HR 5/4).
- 8/26/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hollywood has a new PR combine. Publicity mavens Cynthia Swartz and Amanda Lundberg said Tuesday that they are leaving Miramax Films to partner with Leslee Dart at Dart's 6-month-old New York-based consulting PR firm. Currently called the Dart Group, it will be renamed. Robert Garlock, Dart's longtime colleague at PMK/HBH, also is joining the new PR venture as partner. While Swartz's and Lundberg's moves had been expected, Garlock called his PMK/HBH boss Pat Kingsley with the news Tuesday morning. Dart was fired by Kingsley in November after long-simmering differences over PMK/HBH's corporate direction. Dart will be chief executive officer of the new PR firm. Swartz and Lundberg will run its entertainment marketing unit, while Garlock will run the talent division. Swartz and Garlock will begin immediately at Dart's new offices at 90 Park Ave.; Lundberg is on maternity leave and will join the firm in the summer at the end of her Miramax contract.
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