Charlie Corwin, the soon-to-be former co-chairman and co-CEO of Endemol Shine, is in advanced discussions to join Imagine Entertainment as CEO, TheWrap has learned.
It’s a newly created position, in which Corwin would report directly to Imagine founders Brian Grazer and Ron Howard. Earlier this year, Imagine received a $100 million investment from international merchant bank The Raine Group, which the company said would help it expand into branded and digital content, and develop new ways to integrate storytelling with emerging technologies. Howard and Grazer founded Imagine in 1986.
Earlier Wednesday, Endemol Shine announced that Corwin would be stepping down from his role as co-chairman and CEO later this month. Cris Abrego will become the sole leader. Corwin had been co-chairman and CEO of Endemol Shine, a joint venture between Fox and Apollo Global Management, since 2014.
Corwin will, however, remain as an executive producer on several Endemol Shine Studios scripted projects, including the drama series adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley” by “Luther” creator Neil Cross.
Corwin was formerly CEO and co-founder of production company Original Media as its CEO and co-founder. Endemol acquired a majority stake in Original Media in November 2007, after which Corwin stayed on in the top job. Abrego also joined Endemol Shine when the venture acquired his production company.