Braun takes reins at Kinowelt
Wolfgang Braun, former director and vice-president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Germany (previously known as Buena Vista International Germany), replaces Jan-Pelgrom de Haas as CEO of Leipzig-based Kinowelt, one of the most important distribution and sales companies in Germany. Last year, the group became part of France’s StudioCanal and Braun will report to the latter’s CEO, Olivier Courson.
During his 15 years as head of Walt Disney Germany (1992-2008), Braun distributed and marketed productions by the company, as well as those by major studios such as Touchstone, Miramax and Pixar, and German films.
As manager of the subsidiary Buena Vista International Film Productions Germany, he co-produced and co-financed local hits such as Knockin' on Heaven's Door, starring Til Schweiger; Joachim Masannek’s Wild Soccer Bunch franchise; and Florian Henkel von Donnersmarck’s Oscar-winning The Lives of Others [+see also:
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In 1987, Braun founded the United Cinemas International Multiplex chain, a joint venture between Paramount and Universal, and set up and managed Germany’s first multiplex. He also presided for many years over the Distributors’ Federation executive committee.
In spring 2008, he founded independent production company MoreMovies Entertainment GmbH.
(Translated from French)
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