Kornblau to head Uni's digital division

Exec to oversee worldwide digital initiatives, technologies

By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 5/4/2007

In his added role as president of Universal Pictures Digital Platforms, Kornblau will oversee electronic sell-through worldwide, high-definition DVD and domestic video-on-demand. He also is in charge of the studio’s Advanced Technology Group and Digital Entertainment Group, which is responsible for wireless, mobile and interactive gaming platforms. Kornblau already oversees domestic home video, consumer products and the studio’s DVD originals business.

Digital initiatives previously fell under Universal Pictures executive VP Michael Joe. Joe’s role will now be expanded in other areas. He will be in charge of the studio’s international-based local-language film production and worldwide acquisitions in addition to his role as the day-to-day point person for Focus Features and Rogue Pictures. Joe will continue to oversee business development and serve as the company’s chief strategy officer, in which he will define the studio’s movie window policy, global strategies and long-term growth plan.

The changes follow a shift made in February, when the studio merged its theatrical and home video marketing departments under studio marketing president Adam Fogelson and co-president Eddie Egan.

“Craig and M.J. have demonstrated exceptional ability in recognizing opportunities in the changing landscape of our business,” Universal Pictures chair Marc Shmuger and co-chair David Linde said in a statement announcing the promotions. “Craig’s many accomplishments in leading home entertainment, and his contributions to digital distribution, make the grouping of digital activities under him an ideal fit.”

Kornblau will continue to report to Universal Pictures vice chair Rick Finkelstein and Linde.

Beth Minehart will continue to oversee international electronic sell-through and VOD sales. For electronic sell-through, she reports to Kornblau; for international VOD, she reports to Belinda Menendez. 

Eddie Cunningham will continue to head UPIE, overseeing international marketing and distribution of home entertainment. 

Kornblau has served as president of USHE since 1999 and has become a key proponent of the industry’s move to new digital platforms. Universal was the first studio to make a movie available on a download-to-burn basis the same day as its home video release with The Fast and Furious—Tokyo Drift last fall.

On the high-def front, Universal is the only studio releasing movies exclusively on HD DVD and has been a leader in introducing new interactive bonus features on the format.

Also under Kornblau’s leadership, Universal launched a successful DVD originals business in 2005, which has been followed by other major studios.

Before joining Universal, Kornblau was senior VP of worldwide operations and logistics at Buena Vista Home Entertainment. There, he helped develop the modern-day sell-through video business by creating direct relationships with retailers.