Film producer and distributor Ann Lyons has passed away after a short illness.
Lyons was the long-time business partner of producer Antony I. Ginnane, joining his FG Productions company in 1981 and collaborating on films such as Turkey Shoot, High Tide and The Lighthorseman.
“I have lost my best friend," Ginnane said in a statement. "Ann was the rock solid underpinning of our production and distribution activity for more than 30 years. She was an extraordinary judge of story and had an editor’s eye for structure.”
She relocated to Los Angeles in 1993 and, together with Ginnane, provided consulting services to Fries Distribution. While there, she also supervised production and post-production on Fries’ sci-fi production Screamers starring Peter Weller.
In 1996, she and Ginanne set up IFM Film Associates Inc. and later IFM World Releasing Inc. in Los Angeles, which operated across worldwide distribution, acquisition and financing. IFM acquired and presented over 100 productions including Black Light, Pariah, Blind Heat, Under Hellgate Bridge, Reign of Darkness and In the Red.
Her feature film credits include The Truth About Juliet (executive producer 1997), Black Light (executive producer 1998), Sweet Revenge (executive producer 2000), The Hit (executive producer 2002), 10 Dead Men (executive producer 2007) and Arctic Blast (executive producer 2010).
Lyons was executive producing Last Dance, starring Julia Blake and Firass Dirani, at the time of her death.
Her son Anthony J. Lyons is vice-president, international, for FG / IFM.
Contact this reporter at bswift@www.if.com.au or on Twitter at @bcswift.