Motion Pictures
March 23, 2000
Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution, Japan, To Receive Award For Best Importer/Distributor Of The Year
(March 23, 2000 – Tokyo, Japan) - Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution, Japan, will receive Japan’s Minister of International Trade and Industry Award for Best Motion Picture Importer/Distributor of the Year, in a ceremony taking place in Tokyo on April 21. The award is given for marketing excellence and innovation, and for a company’s contribution to the development of the Japanese film industry.
In particular, the organization recognized Stanley Kubrick’s critically acclaimed “Eyes Wide Shut” and the international blockbuster “The Matrix” as examples of Warner Bros. Pictures’ impressive contributions for 1999. “Eyes Wide Shut” was ranked 9th and “The Matrix” ranked second among the top films of the year, grossing $26,665,214 and $71,269,036, respectively.
“We are extremely proud of our marketing and distribution team,” said Edward E. Frumkes, President, International, Warner Bros. Pictures. “We are especially pleased that our efforts on behalf of these two exceptional films have been acknowledged by the entertainment and business community in Japan, one of the world’s most competitive markets. This is truly a great honor.”
William Ireton, Managing Director, Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution, Japan, will accept the award on behalf of Warner Bros. Pictures. Following the ceremony will be a screening of company’s newest release, “Romeo Must Die,” from “The Matrix” producer Joel Silver, scheduled to open in Japan on May 13. # # #