Warner Bros. Might Release Executive From Contract

Warner Bros. will formally consider releasing production chief Mark Canton from his contract to pursue another job, sources close to the talks said Friday.

Canton, who has about 16 months remaining on his deal with Warner, reportedly wants to move to Columbia Pictures. Sources said Warner, which is known for vigorously enforcing executive contracts, will discuss whether to make an exception in Canton’s case.

Canton did not return repeated telephone calls on Friday, and Warner denied that he is set to leave his job. But sources close to the studio said negotiations over the terms of Canton’s departure could begin soon, with entertainment lawyer Jake Bloom representing Canton.

Warner executives reportedly want Canton to remain in place through the primary production stages of “Batman 2” and “Lethal Weapon 3.” Production on the two costly sequels, both of which are set for release next summer, is expected to run from September until December.

Hollywood sources say Canton has been unhappy at Warner for months. He reportedly wants to join his former colleagues, Columbia Pictures Entertainment chief Peter Guber and independent producer Jon Peters, on the Columbia lot. Columbia executives have made it clear that they want Canton if he can get out of his contract before it expires next year.

Columbia’s parent, Sony Corp., has publicly denied that it is courting Canton. Guber and Peters were also under contract to Warner before they moved to Columbia. A nasty legal battle between Sony and Warner ensued, and the two companies reached a settlement that analysts have estimated will cost Sony about $500 million in lost income and assets.

Robert Friedman, president of worldwide marketing for Warner, said Canton remains under contract at the studio. “Unless Warner Bros. chooses to waive the contract--which is only their prerogative--he’s not out,” Friedman warned. “He has a contract.”

Industry sources argue that if Canton is to get out of his contract, Sony will have to pay a price. “He’s going to have trouble getting out,” insisted one agent close to the studio.

It’s unclear where Canton would land inside Columbia, which is already known for a top-heavy management structure, if he leaves Warner.

Some sources close to the studio speculate that he may replace studio chief Frank Price or be put in a position above him. But Canton is personally close to Peters and could also land at Peters’ production company.