Brit at the helm of Miramax

British-born Daniel Battsek is to take over at Disney's Miramax division, from October 1. Battsek will lead "the Walt Disney Co.'s specialty films division into a new post-Harvey and Bob Weinstein era." Also according to Hollywood Reporter Battsek "will bring London-based Buena Vista International executive Kristin Jones with him, Disney sources confirmed, though not as head of production."

In the next few weeks, Battsek will move from the U.K. to New York, where the Miramax headquarters will continue to operate autonomously, separate from the parent studio. He has yet to decide where the new offices will be, though they will likely be housed in one of the buildings in Lower Manhattan that Disney leases for Miramax. "We will not be at Disney," he said. "We will have our own address. I was very determined that New York was the right place for an independent label, not a studio lot, given the way in which independent productions are created there."

Battsek has an interesting biography. He "began his industry career at the Hoyts Film Corp. in Sydney, where he rose to general manager in Victoria State overseeing distribution. He then served as managing director of Palace Pictures before joining Disney" in 1992, "after laying out plans for a U.K. distribution arm for the company. Having set up Buena Vista International U.K., he rapidly rose through the ranks, ending up executive vp and managing director of distribution and production for BVI U.K."

In 1999, Battsek helped set up the BVI U.K. Comedy Label, "which has produced three features, 'High Heels and Low Lifes' (2001), 'Hope Springs' and 'Calendar Girls' (both released in 2003). He has forged relationships with such filmmakers as Frears, Minghella, Christopher Nolan and John Madden."