Under Culpepper, Screen Gems established itself as a home for horror films, comedies, and movies that targeted African-American audiences. At Affirm, he scored with the likes of “War Room” and “Miracles From Heaven.” He partnered with Paramount on the best picture nominee “Arrival” and acquired the original “Insidious” at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival. Bersch has impressed Sony brass with his knack for picking hits. As head of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions, Bersch also oversees Stage 6 Films and Affirm Films, the studio’s faith-based label.

Bersch, for instance, picked up “Don’t Breathe,” a critically acclaimed horror smash that was distributed under the Screen Gems banner. The thought is that the two businesses often overlap and complement one another. “Luckily for us, he will still be a large part of our family, continuing to produce hit movies for Sony.”īersch will add Screen Gems to his portfolio of projects while continuing to run Sony’s global acquisitions business, sources say. “He has an indelible legacy, and I want to thank him for his years of extraordinary commitment to ,” he added. “Under his leadership, Screen Gems is one of the most prolific and diverse genre labels in the industry.” “Clint has had an extraordinary career at ,” Rothman wrote.

In a note to staff, Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman did not mention Bersch’s new role, but praised Culpepper’s 28-year run at Sony. A spokesman for Sony declined to comment on Bersch’s promotion.

Screen gems