CBS Films COO Bruce Tobey exits (VUL, THR, LAT)

By Nancy Tartaglione

On Wednesday, Vulture reported that CBS Films, whose releases thus far have included "Extraordinary Measures," "The Back-up Plan" and last weekend's "Faster," was letting go its COO, Bruce Tobey. Further, it was reported that CBS Films president Amy Baer has brought in Lionsgate executive Wolfgang Hammer to steer things in a more prosperous direction. However, while reports contend that Tobey's departure is due to a string of underperformers, insiders told The Hollywood Reporter he had been looking to make a change for some time.

THR further says the process of bringing Hammer into the company had begun some weeks ago.

According to Vulture, Hammer will be charged with bringing greater flexibility to the studio's productions. He will also oversee acquisitions, co-productions, business and legal affairs and international distribution.

Per Vulture:

It's a surprising move for any Hollywood studio - usually, the standard operating procedure after a rafter of turkeys is to shoot your marketing chief out of a cannon, not your business guy - but somebody had to go.

Says The Los Angeles Times: "In a sign that the studio is looking to change the way it picks and makes movies, the new COO will work directly with CBS Films President Amy Baer on creative affairs. He is expected to specifically focus on putting together talent packages for future films and on international distribution deals, which often provide crucial upfront money for movies' budgets."