• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

John Daly, Multiple Academy Award Winning Producer and Chairman of Film and Music Entertainment, Inc., Passes Away

Posted on: Friday, 31 October 2008, 18:00 CDT

Film and Music Entertainment, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: FLME) announced today that Academy Award winning producer John Daly, beloved Chairman of the company, passed away at 6:10 AM today quietly in his sleep at the age of 71.

Mr. Daly was born in South East London, a part of London badly bombed and damaged in the 2nd World War. In 1967, with a young actor named David Hemmings he formed 'Hemdale.' Hemdale had many diverse entertainment business interests, and grew rapidly in the '70s managing music groups 'Yes,' 'Black Sabbath' and many other famous UK artists. The Company also acquired the worldwide stage rights of Lionel Bart's hit musical 'Oliver,' plus produced 'Grease' starring Richard Gere. Hemdale also acquired an ownership interest in an important TV company, its own film studios, and a famous off-track betting company chain of shops.

Hemdale began producing, financing and distributing its own full length feature films and became the leading independent film company in the United Kingdom with films such as "Melody,""Tommy,""Triple Echo" and "Images" with Robert Altman.

Hemdale gave important career starts to such leading actors as Keanu Reeves, Denzel Washington, and Julia Roberts. It also gave a chance to many young, first time directors who have since become famous including James Cameron (The Terminator); Oliver Stone (Salvador, Platoon); Bernardo Bertolucci (The Last Emperor); Mick Jackson (The Bodyguard); Martin Campbell (Bond) & (Zorro); Michael Apted (The Coalminer's Daughter); Robert Altman (Images); John Schlesinger (The Falcon & The Snowman) along with many other notable directors such as Ken Loach (Hidden Agenda); Harold Becker (The Boost); Gillian Armstrong (High Tide); Tim Hunter (River's Edge) and James Foley (At Close Range). Under Daly, Hemdale made over 100 films and Daly's films grossed in excess of $1.5 billion dollars.

Daly has personally achieved on behalf of his companies, 21 OscarCopyright nominations and 13 OscarCopyright wins including an unprecedented back-to-back 'Best Picture' OscarCopyright for 'Platoon' and 'The Last Emperor.' This achievement has never been equaled by any other independent film maker or company.

His films have also won numerous Golden Globes, Cannes Film Festival Awards, Berlin Film Festival Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, Houston Film Festival and many other prizes throughout his illustrious career.

For over 40 years, John Daly's films have helped influence the filmmaking industry & inspired independent film makers. In 2004 he produced, co-wrote and directed 'The Aryan Couple,' starring OscarCopyright winner Martin Landau, which received numerous awards at prestigious film festivals around the world. Mr. Daly recently concluded post-production of "The Box Collector" which he directed for Curson Productions. Since 2003 Mr. Daly was Chairman, CEO and President of Film and Music Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. In May 2008 he took a leave of absence from his executive duties. He remained chairman until his death.

Mr. Daly is survived by his daughter and three sons.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the family.

Lawrence Lotman, CFO and acting CEO, issued the following statement: "I want to thank all those who have sent their condolences and prayers. John was truly a giant in the industry who changed filmmaking for the better. We will strive to continue his legacy on behalf of the shareholders of the company and his legions of fans around the world."

Statements included within this press release that are not historical in nature constitute forward-looking statements for the purpose of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that this press release contains certain such forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. When used, the words "anticipate,""believe,""estimate,""expect," and similar expressions as they relate to the Company or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to market, sell or deliver successfully its services inside or outside the United States, given risk factors including but not limited to unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, export restrictions, tariffs and other trade barriers, longer payment cycles, and fluctuations in currency exchange rates, any of which could adversely affect the Company's operations. There can be no assurance that one or more of these factors will not have a material adverse affect on the Company's current or future operations and consequently, on the Company's business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 Contact: Lawrence Lotman (323) 904-5200 larry@famefilm.com

SOURCE: Film and Music Entertainment, Inc.

Source: MARKET WIRE

More News in this Category