QED International has appointed Daniel Diamond as president, company CEO Bill Block announced on Tuesday. News of Diamond's new position followed TheWrap's exclusive report about his departure this week from Morgan Creek and confirmed speculation among international distribution executives that the sales veteran was heading to QED.
The appointment comes as QED gears up to work on studio-level films with studio-level budgets, following an eight-figure investment in the company this summer from Media Content Capital.
"We’re committed to bringing the best films to our international partners, and heading into the fall markets, we’re better equipped than ever to deliver on that promise,” Block said in a statement. “Daniel will add significantly to our global fire power.”
“The new financing significantly increases the number of quality pictures QED is able to do and to offer to the market place and this makes it an interesting move for me,” Diamond told TheWrap. “We will be working on studio-level films at studio-level budgets. I am leaving Morgan Creek on good terms and it has been like family.”
Diamond will start his new job on Monday.
Also read: Morgan Creek Co-Chair Rick Nicita Exits After 3 Years
Diamond’s appointment comes as QED prepares to ramp up activities ahead of the Toronto International Film Festival in early September and the AFM film market.
The company’s upcoming film slate includes “Ten,” directed by David Ayer and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger; “Fading Gigolo,” directed by John Turturro and starring Turturro and Woody Allen; and “Elysium,” directed by Neil Blomkamp and starring Matt Damon. Earlier this year, Media Content Capital made an eight-figure investment in QED International.
With a career spanning 25 years, Diamond has worked at a number of international sales and production companies, including Fireworks Pictures, the motion picture division and wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian media giant CanWest Global. Before joining Fireworks, Diamond served as President of International Distribution for Franchise Pictures.