Steven Rothenberg
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Steven Rothenberg | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 12, 1958 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | July 17, 2009 (aged 50) Burbank, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Stanford University |
| Occupation | |
Steven Rothenberg (September 12, 1958 – July 17, 2009) was an American film studio executive. Rothenberg headed the theatrical distribution operations at Lions Gate Entertainment at the film studio's President of domestic releasing.[1] He oversaw the release of more than 350 movies during his career,[1] which spanned 28 years at several film studios.[2]
Early life[edit]
Rothenberg was born and raised in New York City.[1] He received his bachelor's degree with honors from Stanford University.[1]
Career[edit]
Rothenberg began his career in the film industry when he was hired by filmmaker and fellow Stanford alumnus Roger Corman.[1][2] Rothenberg worked with Corman in film distribution.[1] Rothenberg later worked in distribution at Savoy Entertainment and The Samuel Goldwyn Company as well.[1][3]
Rothenberg was president of domestic film distribution at Artisan Entertainment prior to joining Lionsgate.[1] In particular, Rothenberg created and oversaw the distribution strategy for The Blair Witch Project,[2] which went on to become the highest grossing indie film in history at the time.[2] He also helmed the domestic distribution of Requiem for a Dream, Buena Vista Social Club and many other films while at Artisan.[1]
Rothenberg headed the theatrical distribution operations of Lionsgate,[4] or its predecessor companies, for more than 10 years.[1] It was Rothenberg who coordinated and oversaw the domestic film releases of Tyler Perry and Saw film franchises, as well as Fahrenheit 9/11, 3:10 to Yuma and Crash, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.[1] The combined boxoffice gross of the films in which Rothenberg facilitated the releases totaled more than $2 billion for Lions Gate.[2]
He was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
Personal life[edit]
Steven Rothenberg died of stomach cancer in Burbank, California, on July 17, 2009, at the age of 50.[1] He was survived by his wife Frances and their children Alexandra, Ted, and Emma, all of Glendale, California, where Rothenberg also resided.[2] Rothenberg was also survived by his mother, Ina Rothenberg, and sister, Stacy Moscoe.[1][2][5]
Rothenberg's memorial service and burial was held at the Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles.[2]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m McNary, Dave (July 20, 2009). "Lionsgate's Steven Rothenberg dies". Variety. Retrieved August 1, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f g h DiOrio, Carl (July 19, 2009). "Steve Rothenberg dies at 50". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 1, 2010. Retrieved August 1, 2009.
- ^ "Steven Rothenberg, president of domestic distribution at Lions Gate, dies at 50". Los Angeles Times. July 22, 2009.
- ^ Germain, David (October 22, 2008). "'Max Payne,' 'Chihuahua,' 'Bees' out-poll 'W'". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
- ^ "Lionsgate distribution chief Rothenberg dies at 50". Reuters. July 20, 2009.