Nearly a year after Tom Rothman resigned as Fox Filmed Entertainment Chairman and CEO, the bottom-line-minded executive is partnering with Sony Pictures to revive TriStar Productions as a joint venture to create four movies per year.
Sony Pictures will provide financing for the new entity and retain all distribution rights worldwide. Rothman will serve as Chairman of TriStar Productions and have an equity interest.
Productions will be released under the TriStar Pictures banner, which will also develop TV programming for Sony Pictures Television. Rothman will report directly to Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO and Chairman Michael Lynton and Co-Chairman Amy Pascal.
Also read: Fox Chairman, CEO Tom Rothman Resigns
The name TriStar has a long history in Hollywood and on the Sony lot, where it once produced hits like "Jerry Maguire" and "City Slickers." However, it has been largely dormant for the past decade.
"As a fan of Hollywood history, I know TriStar has a noble name," Rothman said in a statement. "I am honored that Michael and Amy would choose me to try to lead a new chapter in it and look forward to collaborating with all the great people at Sony, a truly terrific studio. It feels like coming home."
The announcement ends months of speculation about where Rothman would land after he was pushed out at Fox after 18 years at the studio. He was credited with fielding such major films during his time there as "Life of Pi," "X-Men," "Titanic" and "Avatar." During his tenure, Fox films were nominated for over 150 Oscars and won three Best Picture statues.
Although TriStar Productions will work in concert with Sony, it will have its own in-house creative production executives and marketing resources. It will also have the ability to take on outside investments.