Bill Ireton leaves his job as local production supervisor at Sony Pictures International Productions, Japan, to start an independent production company.
Starting January 1, 2023, Ireton will develop and produce content for multiple platforms, primarily based on Japan’s IP for audiences around the world.
At Sony Pictures, he led the production of a feature slate, including hell hounds featuring Junichi Okada under the direction of Masato Harada; I am Makimoto with Sadao Abe; and fight against violence, currently streaming on Netflix.
“Making films with Sony Pictures over the past four years has been a wonderful experience that has helped propel this exciting new chapter in my career,” said Ireton.
Sanford Panitch, President of Sony Pictures’ Film Group, added, “I want to thank Bill for his work over the past few years. Making Japanese films continues to be a high priority for the company. Bill’s experience and connections have helped our continued efforts in local production in Japan, and we wish him well in his new endeavor, which I know is something he has wanted to do for some time. time.
Ireton began local production for Warner Bros. in Japan in 2007, releasing 49 films over a seven-year period, including the Rurou ni Kenshin trilogy; unforgiven directed by Sang-il Lee and based on the Clint Eastwood film; and The Straw Shield directed by Takashi Miike.
He also took part in the production of Eastwood’s Letters from Iwo Jima with Ken Watanabe.
Sony Pictures International Productions is jointly run by Shebnem Askin and Michael Rifkin and releases more than 30 films a year in 12 territories.
This article originally appeared on KFTV’s sister site, Screendaily.
