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SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 – CULVER CITY, CA – Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) today announced that Lia Vollack has been named President of Columbia Live Stage, SPE's new live theatrical productions division.
Based in New York, Vollack will produce and develop original theatrical productions, and work with the library catalogues of Sony Pictures and Sony/ATV Music Publishing to bring new productions to Broadway and other live theatrical venues. She will report to Michael Lynton, CEO, Sony Entertainment.
"Lia is among the strongest and most creative executives in this space, and the perfect fit to run Columbia Live Stage," said Lynton. "We see tremendous opportunity in live theater and look forward to leveraging Sony's vast library and original material for future productions."
Vollack added, "After two rewarding decades in motion pictures, coming back to Broadway feels like a homecoming. I'm humbled to be representing this great studio in the theatrical world, where I began my career. I have always believed in the unique power of live theater and am thrilled to have this opportunity to devote my full time and energy to building Columbia Live Stage."
Vollack previously served jointly as President, Worldwide Music for the Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, as well as Executive Vice President, Theatrical, for SPE. In her dual role, she oversaw both the music for SPE films, as well as the studio's development of theatrical productions. Spring Aspers, EVP, Music Creative Affairs at Sony Pictures, will assume Vollack's responsibilities in the Motion Picture Group during the transition.
In her capacity as Executive Vice President, Theatrical for SPE, Vollack was instrumental in establishing Columbia Live Stage, which co-produced the 2016 Best Musical Tony-nominee Shuffle Along, as well as the critically-acclaimed musical adaptation of Groundhog Day, which will open at Broadway's August Wilson Theatre this spring following its well-received premiere at The Old Vic in London.
Vollack has worked on music for hundreds of motion pictures, including the Oscar®-winning theme songs for Spectre and Skyfall, Jimmy Napes and Sam Smith's "Writing's on the Wall" and Adele's "Skyfall," as well as the Academy Award&rg; and Golden Globe winning score for The Social Network, the multi-platinum soundtracks for the Spider-Man films, and hit singles from artists ranging from Destiny's Child to Justin Bieber and Pitbull to Pearl Jam. Vollack began her career as a sound designer on Broadway before moving to Los Angeles to work in the film business.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.
Contact
Jason Allen
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Sony Pictures Entertainment
310.244.3502
jason_allen@spe.sony.com
