MGM Narrows Its Choices for Distribution Head

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. appears to be near hiring a senior distribution executive for its last major executive position under a new management team headed by Frank G. Mancuso, former chairman of Paramount Pictures.

One who had been courted for the job is Columbia Pictures distribution executive Jeff Blake, who worked in distribution as part of Mancuso’s team at Paramount. However, Columbia said Blake has no intention of leaving.

“He is under contract at Columbia and will be staying at the studio,” a Columbia spokesman said.

Speculation has been growing that Ashley Boone, who headed distribution and marketing under the previous MGM regime headed by Alan Ladd Jr., will soon disclose that he plans to leave. The speculation was heightened recently when MGM hired Miramax executive Gerry Rich to head marketing, which had been one of Boone’s jobs.

Reflecting the increased blending of entertainment and technology, executive headhunter SpencerStuart is combining its entertainment and communications divisions, to be led by Stephen Unger and Carlton W. (Tony) Thompson.

Unger formerly headed the company’s entertainment division from West Los Angeles. Thompson headed the recruiting of communications industry executives from Stamford, Conn.

The Writers Guild of America’s Western office has named Joel Block director of industry alliances, overseeing programs in areas such as interactive multimedia.