LOS ANGELES , Aug. 6 (UPI) -- New Line’s marketing chief Russell Schwartz is leaving the Hollywood studio after more than six years at the post.
With the exception of the new hit movie musical, “Hairspray,” the studio has had little luck at the box office over the past two years, offering movies such as “Snakes on a Plane,” “The Nativity Story,” "Fracture,” “The Last Mimzy,” “Hoot” and “The Number 23.”
Variety said New Line indicated Schwartz was leaving on his own at the end of this month, but that the move did not come as a huge surprise.
Schwartz said Monday he had been in discussions with New Line bosses about moving on since he had accomplished all he could at the company.
“It was important to me that I oversee the launches of ‘Hairspray’ and ‘Rush Hour 3,’ two projects that are very dear to me,” Schwartz said. “Interestingly enough, ‘Rush Hour 2’ and ‘Rush Hour 3’ booked-ended my career here.”
Schwartz added he will announce his plans for the future shortly and New Line did not disclose who will replace him as president of domestic theatrical marketing.
