![]() ![]() His vision to expand outside of Los Angeles led to the purchase of the Dino De Laurentiis studio lot in Wilmington, NC. Cooney seized the opportunity to become a production facility owner supplying infrastructure and crew for a client base that included Warner Brothers, Paramount, Sony, Disney and more that needed to expand beyond studio facilities in California, which at the time was running out of production space. ![]() It was a partnership that lasted more than 25 years.Īnd when that segment of the industry began to disappear in the 90s, Mr. Cooney developed the daytime programming “soap opera” business with Procter and Gamble as a major client. When the commercial television segment declined following advertising agency consolidation and acquisition by corporations, Mr. Cooney continually has the vision to morph EUE/Screen Gems to meet the requirements of an ever-changing business model. In addition, while serving as an executive at Columbia Pictures, he was named Chairman of Bell & Howell/Columbia Pictures Video Services, a pioneer in the home video industry.Īn early innovator in the industry, Mr. Cooney ushered Columbia Pictures into what was then the newly emerging world of video tape. He joined Columbia Pictures in 1965 and served in a number of administrative positions before being named the Executive Vice President of the EUE/Screen Gems division in 1972. Prior to acquiring the company, he served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Columbia’s EUE/Screen Gems division. Cooney acquired EUE/Screen Gems and its assets, a division of Columbia Pictures, in 1983. After more than 50 years as an industry leader, his focus is now TV and Film facility development and ownership. He is well-respected for his foresight and ability to anticipate new trends in order to adapt to the fluid and evolving entertainment industry. Cooney is an innovator with a career that includes milestones such as leading talented creative teams that directed and produced Clio award winning Coke, Volkswagen, Alka Seltzer campaigns and facility operation for day-time dramas. George Cooney is the Chairman Emeritus of EUE/Screen Gems Ltd. The program provides much needed academic tutoring and vital College Application and Financial Aid assistance to high school students in underserved communities. Cooney also serves on the board of DESTINATION: COLLEGE a Student assistance program in New York. Most recently, the Wilmington studios have hosted “Under the Dome” (CBS), “Sleepy Hollow” (Fox Television), and “Eastbound and Down” (HBO).Ĭooney has served as a mentor specializing in Media for Duke University’s Parents Committee Mentorlink Program for the last ten years. Television has long been a part of Wilmington’s success story with “One Tree Hill” and “Dawson’s Creek” enjoying long runs on the lot. The studios landed “Journey 2: Mysterious Island” in 2011 and Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” in 2012. The North Carolina incentive and the newly constructed Stage 10, a 37,500 sq ft, column-free sound stage, lured blockbuster film productions. Under his leadership, the studio became the heartbeat of the East Coast film industry. In 1996, Cooney led EUE/Screen Gems in the acquisition of DeLaurentis Carolco Studios in Wilmington, NC. At First Look, a boutique motion picture production and sales company, Cooney worked on projects such “Before Night Falls” starring Javier Bardem and “Eveyln,” starring Pierce Brosnan. Vice President-In-Charge for Facilities in Wilmington, NC and New York City and Vice President of Physical Production.Ĭooney became the chief executive officer of First Look Studios in 2000. Prior to his role as COO, Cooney held roles as Head of Production for EUE/Screen Gems, Ltd. In 2010 as COO of the combined facilities, Cooney led the team into Atlanta where the facilities have enjoyed a robust television success with clients such as “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay” – Parts 1 and 2 (Lionsgate), “Satisfaction” (NBC Universal for USA Network) and “Devious Maids” (ABC for Lifetime). ![]() EUE/Sokolow is based in Los Angeles and New York City and focuses on television development and production in the scripted and unscripted arenas. The production studios are based in Atlanta and Wilmington, NC with a new studio scheduled to open in Miami in fall, 2015. ![]() Today, Cooney focuses on two core businesses: studio facilities and content development. Cooney is known for his collaborative style, his eye for art and his experience with facility management, international content distribution, integrated media solutions, branded content and online content development. He is also the co-owner of EUE/Screen Gems Studios. Chris Cooney is the Chief Executive Officer of EUE/Screen Gems, Ltd. ![]()
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