Troubled Film Agency Chooses Interim President

The Entertainment Industry Development Corp. selected a veteran production executive in the motion picture industry on Monday to become interim president of the troubled agency.

Lindsley Parsons Jr., whose selection was approved unanimously by the EIDC’s executive committee during a closed session, would replace former president Cody Cluff, who resigned under pressure late last year during a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office. The investigation is into whether Cluff misused corporate funds through extravagant spending and political contributions to elected officials, including some who are members of the EIDC board.

The EIDC must now negotiate a contract with Parsons, who would serve no more than six months at the helm of the agency that issues permits for filming in the city and county. In the meantime, the committee will search for someone to serve in the position permanently.

Melissa Patack, an executive with the Motion Picture Assn. of America, praised the choice.

“He has produced film and television productions throughout Los Angeles and has worked with government and neighborhoods to minimize the impact on the community while allowing uninterrupted filming,” she said.

Parsons, 72, a Los Angeles native, spent most of his career in production management, including 10 years at MGM, five at Paramount Pictures, three at Universal Pictures and two at the Samuel Goldwyn Co.

He is also the former president and chief operating officer of Lucas Digital.

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Times special correspondent Anita M. Busch contributed to this report.