The executive who financed the bulk of 3D blockbuster Avatar – Greg Coote – has been appointed the chairman of fledgling media comglomerate RGM Media.
He played a key role in sealing RGM Media's recent deal with Fox International Productions to co-finance films aimed at non-English speaking markets such as China and India.
Coote first developed a professional relationship with Singapore-based RGM chief executive Devesh Chetty through his membership of the Singapore Government’s Media Development Authority. Coote also chairs their International Advisory Committee.
Coote has led Dune Entertainment, which co-funded co-financed James Cameron’s Avatar alongside Fox, under the terms of a deal first struck in 2007. Avatar has since earned over $US2.8 billion at cinemas around the world.
In a statement, Coote said RGM is poised to capitalize on an exploding growth region. “The next decade will see the Middle East, India and China become both the leading emerging entertainment markets for imported filmed entertainment and awakening giants for local language production," he said.
"With the expertise RGM now boasts, a base in Singapore, and support from the Singapore Government, the company has the ability to meet the demands of these high-growth markets as they expand.”
RGM Media is attempting to turn its talent agency into a film and TV production business after recently listing on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Coote also sits on the advisory board of Alnoor International in Qatar, and the Indian distribution giant EROS International PLC. In Australia, he was previously the joint managing director of Roadshow Distributors alongside Village Roadshow’s Graham Burke.