Universal Pictures International Ups Overseas Production Execs To Push Local Markets

6:49 AM PST 2/6/2012 by Stuart Kemp

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Peter La Terriere and J.J. Lousberg elevated to vp, international production from within London operations to lead the charge across territories inlcluding China, Russia and Latin America.

LONDON – Universal Pictures International flexed its international production muscles Monday by elevating Peter La Terriere and J.J. Lousberg to vice presidents of international production.

Universal Names Peter Kujawski Executive VP of Worldwide Acquisitions

The duo will jointly source and manage international co-productions and local language acquisitions in key markets as well as developing opportunities in priority territories worldwide, UPI said.

Both will report to Universal Pictures president, international David Kosse, the studio’s overseas’ operations chief.

“We’ve enjoyed great success in the area of local co-productions and staying in these markets, meeting these filmmakers and being a part of some great films is enormously important to our business,” said Kosse.

He described the two as “seasoned executives who will bring a great deal of expertise to our efforts in international production.”

Universal recently restructured its acquisitions and international production division naming Peter Kujawski executive vice president of worldwide acquisitions in Los Angeles.

Kujawski reports to Universal Pictures co-chairman Donna Langley and work closely with Kosse.

The international co-production efforts remain in London reporting to Kosse.

La Terriere and Lousberg will assume the lead creative roles within the organization and serve as the primary international filmmaker contacts jointly overseeing production in China, Russia, Latin America, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Australia, Scandinavia and the Benelux.

UPI’s previous endeavors in this arena include Rubbeldiekatz, which grossed over $19 million and was the second largest German film of 2011 and Fuga de Cerebros 2, starring David Hassellhoff which went on to be one of the top Spanish language films grossing over $7 million.

UPI currently has two films in production; one in France and one in Brazil. UPI is also making the Spanish/Canadian co-production Mama.