Steve Bellamy, a filmmaker and entrepreneur behind The Tennis Channel, The Ski Channel and other television networks, has been appointed Kodak‘s new president of Motion Picture and Entertainment. The appointment shows Kodak’s continued commitment to film. Based in Los Angeles, Bellamy will be responsible for growing and deepening Kodak’s relationships with Hollywood, with plans to create new partnerships and new business models.
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As a writer/director, Bellamy’s films have won over 40 global film festivals. As a songwriter and recording artist, Bellamy has toured the country, had singles on commercial radio and his work is regularly found on film and television. He has spent the last six years as CEO of Action Sport Networks and will remain the chairman of that business.
“I’m thrilled and relieved that Kodak remains committed to keeping film alive and well,” said filmmaker JJ Abrams, in a statement. “It only feels right that film remain an available option in the world of filmmaking. And Steve Bellamy is an ideal talent to help realize this priority.”
At Kodak, Bellamy will work with Andrew Evenski, Kodak president and general manager of Entertainment and Commercial Film, to create deeper relationships with Hollywood’s film and television studios. Both will report to Steven Overman, president of the Consumer and Film Division
“Kodak has always been driven by bringing innovation to a wide range of industries, and Steve Bellamy will help us deliver leading creative solutions to the entertainment industry,” said Overman. “Steve brings a combination of creativity, industry experience and entrepreneurial success to our business.”
Evinski said, “film is a vital part of Kodak’s culture and we are pleased to welcome Steve on board to help us grow this business. Steve’s hands-on experience in the entertainment industry will help us to create new opportunities for motion picture film.”
Last year, after being lobbied by Abrams, Christopher Nolan, Judd Apatow, Quentin Tarantino and other top directors, a coalition of Hollywood studios sealed a deal with Kodak which will ensure the continued production of film stock.
Bellamy expressed commitment to the keeping film viable and affordable. “The Kodak brand is iconic in the film business,” he said. “My main goal is to make sure that film remains a viable and reasonable option for those artists who want to continue to shoot on the medium.”
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