Casey Silver, who has served as president of Universal Pictures for the past year, has been upped to chairman of the MCA motion picture group, stepping into the job previously held by his former boss, now MCA vice chairman Tom Pollock.
The move, effective immediately, signals a strong vote of confidence from the new regime, which is now under the authority of MCA president and chief operating officer Ron Meyer. Silver, who has risen through the production ranks at Universal during the past eight years, most recently as studio president, now will have the power to greenlight films.
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Although it’s not explicit in his contract, Silver has the same authority to greenlight that Pollock did in the post. However, Meyer’s involvement in the process is expected to be greater than that of his predecessor, Sidney Sheinberg.
The new title and responsibility had been expected for Silver, who had been in negotiations for the past month. Silver, who was promoted in May 1994 to Universal Pictures president, has signed a new, long term contract. He will continue to be responsible for production, marketing and distribution. He adds the responsibilities of the UIP offices, administration and finance – all of which now report to him.
Silver said the studio is taking a hard look at material. “I think you have to be selective with material and the partners with whom you are in business, ” said Silver, adding that he currently oversees a solid team of execs.
No other promotions are expected, with the possible exception of senior VP Kate Barker, who is likely to be upped to executive VP of production. Silver works in conjunction with production prexy Hal Lieberman.
Silver is known as a low-key, steady force at the studio and is considered more cautious than impulsive. Those who have dealt with Silver called him one of the hardest-working production executives in town.
Silver came to Universal in 1987 from TriStar Pictures, where he held the senior VP production. He was promoted to president of production in 1989.