Daniel Battsek Biography

Daniel Battsek (born in 1959) is an English film producer and executive, and current President of National Geographic Films. He was President of Miramax Films.

Life and career

Battsek is a graduate of Oxford Polytechnic where he majored in Social and Political Studies.

Between 1985 and 1991, Battsek was managing director of Palace Pictures where he was involved in all aspects of marketing, distribution and acquisitions in the UK and Ireland. Battsek began his industry career at The Hoyts Film Corporation in Sydney, Australia where he quickly rose through the ranks to general manager in Victoria State overseeing distribution.

Battsek was first introduced to Disney in 1991, when he was asked to start up a UK Company as part of the worldwide distribution network for Buena Vista International. In 1992, he officially joined The Walt Disney Studios. Battsek was quickly promoted to vice president/managing director where he handled all aspects of theatrical film distribution in the UK. He was later promoted to vice president, managing director and European acquisitions director of BVI (UK) Limited. His responsibilities also included involvement in the acquisition of distribution rights across numerous territories for such films as Muriel's Wedding, Shine, Central Station, Kolya, and Ice Storm.

In 1998, he was promoted to senior vice president, BVI (UK) Limited where he oversaw approximately 35 films per year from the Disney, Touchstone and Miramax labels. With his expanding role, Battsek began acquiring and developing British film projects for worldwide distribution. He created the BVI UK Comedy Label which produced four films, like High Heels and Low Lifes, Hope Springs, Calendar Girls, and Kinky Boots.

On July 24, 2005, he was named President of Miramax Films, after Harvey and Bob Weinstein left the company, due creative and financial differences with Disney exec, Michael Eisner. Since he took control of the company, Miramax has released films that have enjoyed success in the critical, including The Queen, No Country for Old Men or Doubt. He has re-focused the study to produce films of high quality but low budget.

On January 20, 2010, Battsek was announced as President of National Geographic Films. He began March 15, 2010. Mr. Battsek repleaced Adam Leizpig