Itc Entertainment Group

James P. Marrinan has been named senior executive vice president-international at ITC Entertainment Group, Studio City. Marrinan had been executive vice president and general manager-international television, ITC Entertainment Group.

In its 40-year history, ITC Entertainment Group has gone from the heights of producing Academy Award winners such as "Sophie's Choice" and "On Golden Pond" to more recent B-movies such as the "Stepfather" slasher films. In headier days, the Studio City company was one of the world's leading independent entertainment firms and once counted among its treasures the Beatles music catalogue.

ITC Entertainment Group, a Studio City movie and television production company, has been acquired by the British music giant Polygram for $156 million. The sale was made by Montagu Private Equity, a subsidiary of HSBC Investment Bank, which had owned ITC since 1987. The acquisition includes ITC's extensive library from its 40-year history, which includes more than 350 feature films. Among its best-known movie productions are "Sophie's Choice" and "On Golden Pond."

James T. Johnson has assumed the newly created post of executive vice president and chief financial officer of ITC Entertainment Group, Studio City. Johnson previously was executive vice president and director of Balcor Entertainment Co.

ITC Entertainment Group, a Studio City movie and television production company, has been acquired by the British music giant Polygram for $156 million. The sale was made by Montagu Private Equity, a subsidiary of HSBC Investment Bank, which had owned ITC since 1987. The acquisition includes ITC's extensive library from its 40-year history, which includes more than 350 feature films. Among its best-known movie productions are "Sophie's Choice" and "On Golden Pond."

In its 40-year history, ITC Entertainment Group has gone from the heights of producing Academy Award winners such as "Sophie's Choice" and "On Golden Pond" to more recent B-movies such as the "Stepfather" slasher films. In headier days, the Studio City company was one of the world's leading independent entertainment firms and once counted among its treasures the Beatles music catalogue.

What's in a name? If it's National Lampoon, the name is worth more than $5 million over the next three years, according to the company that owns the name and logo associated with the satirical magazine and movies such as "Animal House" and "National Lampoon's Vacation." But another company that is suing to foreclose on the National Lampoon trademark argues that the famous name is quickly losing value, and it should be allowed to sell all rights to the name and logo to satisfy a legal claim.

Two entertainment firms battling over the National Lampoon trademark have settled out of court. In the settlement, J2 Communications Inc. of Los Angeles retained control over the National Lampoon name--which is associated with the satirical magazine and movies such as "Animal House," and which J2 said is worth more than $5 million. However, J2, which sells movie home videos, agreed to pay about $150,000 to ITC Distribution Inc. of Studio City.

What's in a name? If it's National Lampoon, the name is worth more than $5 million over the next three years, according to the company that owns the name and logo associated with the satirical magazine and movies such as "Animal House" and "National Lampoon's Vacation." But another company that is suing to foreclose on the National Lampoon trademark argues that the famous name is quickly losing value, and it should be allowed to sell all rights to the name and logo to satisfy a legal claim.

Producer Wins Antitrust Case: Producer Bud Yorkin has been awarded $2.4 million in an antitrust suit that challenged the way movies are sold in package deals to independent television stations. A Los Angeles Superior Court jury found that ITC Entertainment violated antitrust laws when it distributed Yorkin's film "Twice in a Lifetime" as part of a package, or block, of films.

James P. Marrinan has been named senior executive vice president-international at ITC Entertainment Group, Studio City. Marrinan had been executive vice president and general manager-international television, ITC Entertainment Group.

Two entertainment firms battling over the National Lampoon trademark have settled out of court. In the settlement, J2 Communications Inc. of Los Angeles retained control over the National Lampoon name--which is associated with the satirical magazine and movies such as "Animal House," and which J2 said is worth more than $5 million. However, J2, which sells movie home videos, agreed to pay about $150,000 to ITC Distribution Inc. of Studio City.

James T. Johnson has assumed the newly created post of executive vice president and chief financial officer of ITC Entertainment Group, Studio City. Johnson previously was executive vice president and director of Balcor Entertainment Co.