Elwes to Run William Morris Unit

The William Morris Agency has hired producer Cassian Elwes to head its new independent film department.

Elwes, who is joining the agency as a vice president, is a producer of the upcoming Twentieth Century Fox film “The Chase.” He also produced such films as “Men at Work,” “Oxford Blues” and “Leather Jackets,” which starred his brother, actor Cary Elwes.

William Morris’ roster of independent filmmakers includes Robert Altman, Quentin Tarantino, Wayne Wang, Gus Van Sant and Richard Linklater.

* Columbia Pictures has promoted marketing chief Sid Ganis to vice chairman and production chief Lisa Henson to president of the studio.

Henson and Ganis will report to Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Chairman Mark Canton and Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group President Jonathan Dolgen.

* William Soady is the new president and chief executive of Showscan. He previously was president of domestic distribution at TriStar Pictures.

* Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has named Daniel J. Rosett vice president and corporate controller.

* Walt Disney Co. has promoted its chief financial officer, Richard D. Nanula, to executive vice president. Mark D. Rozells was named vice president and assistant treasurer.

* Steve Madoff was named senior vice president of business and legal affairs for the video division of Paramount Pictures’ Motion Picture Group.

* Castle Rock Television has promoted Robin Green to senior vice president.