MOVIES - Dec. 23, 1988

Universal Pictures executive Donna Smith becomes one of the highest ranking women in the studio system next month when she replaces Terry Nelson as senior vice president for production and post-production. Smith, formerly chief operating officer of a completion bond company, has served as production manager on such Universal films as “The Terminator,” “Reckless,” and “Soul Man.” She is executive producer of the studio’s upcoming spring release “K-9,” starring James Belushi and Mel Harris. Nelson, whose title was executive vice president, is leaving to become an independent film maker with a Universal production deal.