Sean Bailey is leaving Disney
Sean Bailey (left) and David Greenbaum
Walt Disney Company via Getty Images; Michael Lucisano/Getty Images
Sean Bailey, the producer-turned-executive who has overseen Walt Disney Studios’ live-action division for nearly 15 years, is leaving the studio.
In his place, David Greenbaum, who ran Searchlight Pictures with Matthew Greenfield, will take over the newly created position as president of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios. Greenbaum will report to Disney Entertainment Co-President Alan Bergman.
Steve Asbell continues to oversee 20th Century Studios as president while Greenfield has sole oversight of Searchlight as president.
According to the studio’s announcement on Monday, in this new role, Greenbaum will lead “a combined studio group that will be home to both iconic film brands, producing a robust portfolio of original and legacy projects unique to each for theater and streaming, while increasing collaboration across the production slate.”
The move is a leap for Greenbaum, who has demonstrated a strong track record in prestige filmmaking, alongside partner Greenfield. The pair have been under the wings of former Searchlight presidents Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula and in 2021 took over the top spot. The company is in the running for awards this year with Bad things, which has 11 nominations. Greenbaum has earned a reputation for being talent-friendly and diving into award races. This new job will be a different creative experience as he shapes the roster of providers of Hollywood’s biggest movie titles.
“David has an incredible creative sense and eye for filmmaking, and has built a reputation as an exceptional leader and creative executive, as proven by his proven track record at Searchlight Pictures and deep relationships throughout the industry,” Bergman said in a statement. “I’m thrilled that he will be taking on this important new role. We’ve been fortunate to have a strong creative leader in Steve Asbell at 20th Century, and I’m excited for him to work closely with David as we take a more strategic look across both brands from a creative standpoint.” “And operationally. I would also like to thank Sean Bailey for his many contributions and leadership during his tenure at Disney. Searchlight remains in excellent hands under the direction of Matthew Greenfield.”
Bailey’s departure has been rumored for several weeks, with his name appearing at the top of the list as the CEO most likely to replace Scott Stuber, the head of Netflix movies who announced his departure in January. But this does not appear to be the case, although it is not clear what has changed.
Disney appointed Billy as president of production in 2010. He led the strategy of moving away from original films to focus on remaking the company’s animated classics in live-action. It was a strategy that was hard to argue against, with some films being billion-dollar hits including beauty and the beast, Aladdin And the king lion.
Billy built his name as a partner with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in the trio’s LivePlanet banner, and was a producer on Affleck’s first feature film, the critically acclaimed 2007 thriller. Baby gone gone.
His first post-execution role will be producing Disney films Tron: Ares. Other productive projects are sure to follow. “These 15 years at Disney have been an incredible journey, but the time is right for a new chapter. I am incredibly grateful to my exceptional team and proud of the roster and history we have built together,” Bailey said in a statement. “I joined Disney during production TRON: Legacyso it seems fitting that I would have the opportunity to work on the latest You see As I leave. I wish Bob Iger, Alan Bergman and all my wonderful colleagues the best for a bright future.
“Shaun and his team have brought to the screen iconic stories and moments that have delighted fans around the world and will stand the test of time,” Bergman enthused in a statement. I know he will continue to do great things, and I couldn’t be happier that he will continue as a producer for Tron: Ares“.
During Greenbaum’s long tenure at Searchlight, the executive was involved with Oscar winners Water shape And Bedouin And projects like List, Favorites, Wild, Grand Budapest HotelAnd black Swan. As a development executive at Miramax Films, he worked on films such as There is no country for old men And There will be blood. Prestige fare is in his DNA and makes his transition even more interesting to watch.
“I would like to thank Bob Iger and Alan Bergman for the extraordinary opportunity to continue the legacy of legendary and pioneering storytelling at both Disney and the 20th century – it is an honor and responsibility I do not take lightly, and I am eager to get to work with Steve Asbell and the teams,” Greenbaum said. At the same time, the past 14 years working alongside and in partnership with my good friend and colleague Matthew Greenfield have been unforgettable – Searchlight and the amazing team there remain the gold standard for quality in our business, and I look forward to watching their continued success in the years to come.”
