It was getting to the point that every few weeks I heard another rumor about where Hutch Parker, the vice chairman of Twentieth Century Fox Film Group, would be heading. Because it's been common knowledge that Parker had one foot out the door. And that he was sought after in the community. In fact, I'd been given a tip two weeks ago that Hutch was exiting for New Regency only to be told by a Fox source that the job was "too small" for him. What a difference a few days make...
The general concensus is that Parker, who'll co-chair New Regency with former Fox Filmed Entertainment vice chairman Bob Harper, "really had no job at Twentieth," a source told me, explaining the move. "That vice-chairman job is a bit superfluous. Because there are very senior capable execs in charge of each division -- except Alex Young. And this way Hutch may have an equity stake in New Regency and some autonomy without having to peddle his wares like a producer. Also, he could make more money." Here's the press release:
LOS ANGELES (May 21, 2008) — Hutch Parker will join Robert Harper as Chairman of New Regency, it was announced today by Harper. The move heralds a major step forward in the growth and expansion of the industry’s largest independent studio.
The pairing of Parker, currently vice chairman of Twentieth Century Fox Film Group, and Harper, a former Fox Filmed Entertainment vice chairman, will create one of the most experienced and multifaceted leadership teams in the business. The partners will share responsibility for all film, television and media-related ventures.
Harper said: “Hutch is one of the most accomplished executives in Hollywood. He brings with him an amazing depth of commercial motion picture experience as well as strong, longstanding ties with top talent. For years we have spoken of partnering more directly with one another, and now with New Regency’s commitment to expanding its reach in the future, it felt like the perfect opportunity to capitalize on our relationship.”Parker said: “I’ve long dreamed of combining the best of studio resources with the benefits of a more flexible and entrepreneurial company. The chance to join Bob and Arnon at New Regency while continuing to work closely with our friends at Fox makes this an irresistible opportunity.”
Arnon Milchan, founder, New Regency, said: “I’ve known both Hutch and Bob for a long time, and I was excited when Bob brought up the idea of this partnership. Having two executives with almost unparalleled diversity of experience and expertise will elevate our company to new heights.”
New Regency includes a library of over 100 titles and distributes its films worldwide through Twentieth Century Fox. Regency Television is a joint venture between New Regency and Fox Television Studios.
Jim Gianopulos, Chairman of Fox Filmed Entertainment, said, “This is an ideal partnership of perfectly complementary skills and experience. With New Regency’s resources and their long and close relationship with Fox, Bob and Hutch will be forming what is one of the most dynamic and compelling production teams in the business and we’re thrilled about this exciting new phase of our partnership.”
Commented Tom Rothman, Chairman of Fox Filmed Entertainment: “Hutch Parker is one of the most exceptional and well-rounded executives we have ever worked with. His many years at Fox have been characterized by consistent success and absolute integrity. Hutch going ‘next door’ is a true win-win for us.”
Parker was named Vice Chairman of Twentieth Century Fox Film Group in 2007, prior to which he had served as President since 2005. He joined Fox in 1995 as Senior Vice President, Production, was named Executive Vice President in 1997 and became President of Production in 1999. During Parker's tenure, Fox had six record years in a row and produced numerous blockbusters.
You hit the nail on the head with your comment about Alex Young. Wow, what a moron.
Comment by Can't Take it Anymore — May 21, 2008 @ 11:50 am
Alex Young is the single worst executive I’ve ever worked with. He thinks he can write, the thinks he can edit, he thinks he can direct. He treats writers like crap and actually rewrites their scripts, himself. One day, the WGA is going to nail him on this, if his reputation doesn’t do him in first. His movies make money because of the marketing prowess of Fox, but they’re all god awful. This is a guy that you do not want to be in business with.
Comment by Jeff Wilson — May 21, 2008 @ 12:01 pm
Alex Young! Man, I haven’t thought about him in a while. Thanks a lot. Now I’m not happy.
Comment by S — May 21, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
Alex Young is only there because he jumps when Tom Rothman says jump. Rothman is a lcd kind of guy. He doesn’t want the films good he wants them on budget. He knowingly made ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS for the money not for quality- he knew it would suck when he started. The only way you stay working there is to ass kiss Rothman like it is going out of style. Hutch was a bad actor who smiled his way into Sydney Pollack’s family and a job at Fox. He was a good soldier but this is at best a lateral move since Regency is basically Rothman’s puppet bank. I guess he wasn’t that desired after all.
Comment by FairyTaleListener — May 21, 2008 @ 2:46 pm
please they’re so interchangeable as studios anyway.
Comment by troy — May 21, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
Now who will Alex Young blame all his lying and conniving on with Hutch gone? He will have no one to hide behind and the truth will come out
Comment by billy primo — May 21, 2008 @ 9:30 pm
I adore Hutch and feel that the best for him would be to get the hell off the FOX lot and off their payroll. Now he is gonna be stuck for a number of years in the hell that is Newscorp.
Comment by Kristylee — May 22, 2008 @ 10:25 pm
Uh… Hutch actually made his bones as one of Marc Platt’s WASP butt-boys at Orion in the early ’90s before he married into Hollywood royalty and Peter-Principled his way up the ladder at Fox. Just to be historically accurate, and all….
Comment by CLifford — May 25, 2008 @ 4:48 am
When everyone at Fox thought “Something About Mary” was going to be a bomb, Hutch Parker did everything he could to distance himself from it and bad mouth the Farrelly’s. After it became a hit, he started referring to it as “my movie” and claimed to have essentially rewritten the entire script himself. He’s among the most self-promoting and ass-kissing execs in town. “Butt boy” and “Peter Principle” are understatements.
Comment by ld — May 28, 2008 @ 10:02 pm