TriStar Home Video Names New Business Affairs VP

Getting the Business: Peter H. Schlessel has been promoted to vice president of business affairs for Columbia TriStar Home Video. Schlessel, who had been executive director, will continue to negotiate worldwide acquisition and distribution rights for Columbia TriStar, as well as feature film rights for Triumph Releasing Corp.

In his new position, Schlessel will also analyze and structure acquisition agreements for non-theatrical acquisitions. He has been Sony’s home video arm since 1989, joining what was then RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video. He most recently concluded agreements with the National Geographic Society and for the American Justice Series.

Robyn Kerner is the new director of business development for MCA/Universal. She will continue to be responsible for developing direct marketing campaigns and branded licensing.

Phil Clement, president of Northbrook, Ill.-based Rank Video Services (Worldwide), is relocating to Los Angeles and will add the title of chief executive for Rank Film Labs, succeeding the retiring Jim Downer. David C. Cuyler, who has been executive vice president and general manager of marketing for Rank Video Services America, has been promoted to chief executive and will relocate to Northbrook from Los Angeles.