COMPANY TOWN ANNEX

DreamWorks SKG Names Distribution Chief: The upstart studio has tapped Jim Tharp, a 25-year veteran of General Cinema Corp., to oversee domestic theatrical distribution for filmed entertainment, including live-action and animated features. Studio executives were somewhat surprised by the choice, having expected the company to appoint someone from the studio rather than the exhibition side of the business. Since 1985, Tharp has acted as senior vice president of film and film marketing at General Cinema’s home office in Boston. “This is a unique opportunity to start with a clean slate and build a distribution system that reflects changes in the business,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg.