Rob Williams, a veteran film executive who spent 10 years at the now-defunct Participant Media, has been named president of content strategy at Sumerian Pictures.
Founder and CEO Ash Avildsen announced the hire on Friday, tasking Williams with expanding the division’s film offerings. Sumerian describes itself as an “artist-led independent creative studio,” and Williams plans to focus on increasing its North American releases. Sumerian’s main business is in the music field, publishing genres such as rock and metal.
“Rob brings a wealth of experience, relationships and strong instincts to independent film. Most importantly, he shares with us a passion for telling and discovering compelling stories worthy of theatrical release,” said Avildsen. “I have dedicated years of my life to the Sumerian cause in music, and now I will work with Rob to bring that spirit to film. I am grateful to work with him and the company we are building together.”
Mr. Williams will be based in Los Angeles and will oversee strategy, acquisitions and distribution for the film division. At Participant, Williams was responsible for a large portfolio that included sales, distribution, and acquisitions of films and entire series. His works include the Oscar-nominated “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,” “Green Book,” “Rome” and “American Factory.”
He previously held executive positions at Netflix and Indomina Media, and most recently served as a consultant at Neon. Williams is a member of AMPAS and an advisory board member for the Independent Motion Picture and Television Alliance and the Audiovisivo Marketplace.
“We are excited to work with the Sumer team to support great films and build upon the company’s greater distribution capabilities,” Williams added. “We’re looking for bold, unique films of all genres.”
Earlier this year, Sumer released Queen of the Rings in theaters, directed by Avildsen and starring Emily Bett Rickards, Josh Lucas, and Walton Goggins. It also released Tribeca’s “Turnstile: Never Enough,” starring Brendan Yates and Pat McCrory.
