Vesuvio Entertainment launches int’l film unit, its Platinum music act Postman to play at major AmPav event

By Jeffrey Jolson

CANNES (Hollywood Today) 5/18-08 — Vesuvio Entertainment Corporation has launched its foreign sales division, Vesuvio International, at Cannes, its President and CEO, Greg H. Sims announced today.  The company will mark its Cannes launch as a co host of the American Pavilion’s 20th Anniversary party, which will  feature a special performance by Platinum artist POSTMAN, who is signed to EMI Virgin.

The event is expected to draw a number of stars to the fantastical tent city next to the central Palais du Festival that has been the home of both indie and major studio celebrity events since 1987.

I am grateful that Remon Stotijn from the EMI Virgin Platinum act Postman has been gracious in bringing his considerable talent and unique mix of hip hop, reggae and  soul to Cannes to help mark the American Pavilion’s anniversary party.  It’s going to have as great a vibe as any party you’ll find at Cannes  this year, and highlights Vesuvio’s core philosophy behind the melding of film and music.”

Vesuvio will fill a niche in the entertainment business by focusing on the synergy between filmed entertainment and music, incorporating film  and music production and distribution, and personal management of film  and music artists.   It’s core film business will focus on the production of high end independent genre films, such as its inaugural film “The Bitch ” the first of what Vesuvio envisions as a franchise, with the  title character created by leading fx master Tony Gardner, who pioneered  the “fat suit” in SHALLOW HAL, as well as his highly praised work  turning John Travolta into “Edna” in HAIRSPRAY.  Gardner is also known for  his work on BRIDE OF CHUCKY and THREE KINGS.  Clint Lien is  writer/director, with cast to be announced shortly for an August 5th start in British Columbia.  Vesuvio’s other launch film is the Victor Friedman directed BRING ME A DREAM, a stylish sci fi thriller being filmed in Dubai.

Sims is no stranger to film production or the foreign sales business,  having previously been CEO of Devin International, and having produced  modestly budgeted films which typically have had successful platform  theatrical releases, and marked the launch of emerging A level stars, such as RED SURF, which featured the first “above the title” starring role  for George Clooney, and TOUCH ME, with above title roles for Amanda  Peet and Michael Vartan.  TOUCH ME was an official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival, and the highest rated indie film to air on LIFETIME.  Vesuvio also launches with a growing library of strong  titles that include not only the above mentioned films, but also SUDDENLY  NAKED, a six time Genie nominated film, including the Best Picture  Nomination.

Last year, Sims was awarded certified Gold and Platinum Records for his  management work with the European superstar Anouk, who recently became  the number one selling artist in the history of the Netherlands.  Sims  will continue his affiliation with co-manager Monique van Griensven,

 who is based in Holland.

Vesuvio has a Board of Advisors that includes Russ Regan, the legendary  music executive who discovered and signed Elton John, and David Fox,  co-founder of  Fox/Lorber.  “I am thrilled that in a difficult climate,  that we’ve been able to successfully raise equity and launch a company  that will be diversified and meaningful, yet lean” said Sims

Michael J. Stone, formerly of Hyde Park, joins Vesuvio in Cannes as its  Head of International Sales and Acquisitions.

Full disclosure: Hollywood Today has business with Sims and the American Pavilion as it is involved in AmPav’s 20^th Anniversary Party and our senior columnist Alex Ben Block is programming industry conference and press events there.