Company Town

Film: In an unusual and complicated deal, director Jon Avnet and producer Jordan Kerner have signed an exclusive production agreement with Walt Disney Studios, while Universal Pictures will continue to have first crack at Avnet-directed films. The deal gives Disney second crack at Avnet-directed films that Universal passes on. Avnet and Kerner are expected to produce films for the Walt Disney, Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures banners. Both the Disney and Universal deals are for three years, possibly extending to six, Kerner said. Avnet directed the hit “Fried Green Tomatoes” for Universal as well as the studio’s upcoming film “The War” with Kevin Costner and Elijah Wood. Avnet/Kerner Co. produced Disney’s hit “The Mighty Ducks.” The deal was arranged by Creative Artists Agency’s Rand Holston. As part of the deal, Avnet/Kerner is elevating Elizabeth Guber and Lisa Lindstrom to senior vice presidents of development and production.