Weeks after Disney announced that worldwide distribution chief Dave Hollis would be leaving the studio after 17 years, Walt Disney Motion Pictures Studios chairman Alan Horn gave him the warmest of goodbyes at CinemaCon.
Horn said that when he was at Warner Bros, he considered that studios former distribution boss Dan Fellman “the dean of distribution. When I left, I thought Ill never see his equal, but I have and its Dave Hollis.”
What box office records didnt Disney break during Hollis tenure? In 2016, his department led the studio to an all-time industry record of $7 billion globally, $3 billion worldwide in a calendar year. Last year, Disney became the only major Hollywood studio to surpass the $6 billion mark worldwide twice. Hollis has seen 12 Disney releases clear north of $1 billion at the global box office, and one over $2 billion (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) during the past seven years.
Hollis post will be filled by 24-year Disney veteran Cathleen Taff, who has been promoted to EVP Theatrical Distribution, Franchise Management and Business & Audience Insights.
“Theres smart, theres really smart and theres brilliant — Dave Hollis,” said Horn.
“Theres hardworking, super contentious and obsessed – Dave Hollis,” continued Horn.
“Theres informative, knowledgeable and encyclopedic gifted — Dave,” said Horn, “and theres finely attractive, charismatic and Dave, I cant read your writing!”
Onstage, Hollis thanked the room of exhibitors for their partnership over the years, saying, “This is a business of friends and its something that (former Disney distribution chief) Chuck Viane taught me before I came in.”
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