HIGHLAND FILM GROUP - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Business and Legal Affairs Manager
- Member of the State Bar of California
Alyson Newman joined Highland Film Group in 2021. Alyson can often be found drafting and negotiating international distribution licensing agreements and notices of assignments. Alyson also assists Anita, our Head of Business and Legal Affairs, on all day-to-day business and legal affairs issues.
Alyson is an active member of the State Bar of California. She obtained her B.S. degree from the University of Oregon where she double majored in Political Science and Psychology. Afterwards, she obtained her Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School. In her free time, Alyson enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her friends and family!
Job Titles:
- Head of Business and Legal Affairs
- Member of the State Bar of California
Joining Highland Film Group in August of 2014, Anita Levian has served as HFG's in-house attorney for the past 7 years. Anita can often be found drafting and negotiating interparty agreements, collection account management agreements, sales agency agreements, licensing agreements and notice of assignments. Anita oversees and manages all day-to-day business and legal affairs issues, and acts as the lead point person in all financial closings.
Anita is an active member of the State Bar of California. She obtained her B.A. degree with high honors from University of California, Los Angeles where she majored in Communication Studies. Afterwards, she obtained her J.D. from Southwestern Law School where her studies emphasized in Entertainment Law. She is a current member of the Entertainment Division of the Beverly Hills Bar Association and loves her fellow HFG team!
Starting Highland Film Group in 2010, Arianne Fraser leads the team as Chief Executive Officer, and partnering with Delphine Perrier in 2013. After a successful decade, Arianne continues to utilize her thorough experience in film sales and production. Arianne and Delphine have had recent success across a wide range of film genres and platforms, building a reputation for handling high-octane films in the action/thriller/horror space, focusing on cast, director, film maker driven content.Highland's highlights include Joe Carnahan's Boss Level starring Naomi Watts, Mel Gibson and Frank Grillo; Lin Oeding's thriller Braven starring Jason Momoa; Scott Mann's Final Score starring Dave Bautista, and Pierce Brosnan; Berlin, I Love You with Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley, Jim Sturgess, Mickey Rourke, Diego Luna, and Jenna Dewan Tatum; Vaughn Stein's Terminal starring Margot Robbie. Most recently Arianne and the Highland Film Group have worked on a diversified production and sales slate that includes: Renny Harlin's The Misfits, starring Pierce Brosnan, Nick Cannon, and Tim Roth; Edward Drake's Gasoline Alley, starring Bruce Willis, Luke Wilson, and Devon Sawa; Herbert James Winterstern's Supercell, starring Alec Baldwin; Mark Neveldine's Panama starring Cole Hauser and Mel Gibson; Randall Emmett's Wash Me In The River starring Robert De Niro, Jack Huston and John Malkovich; Michael Polish's Axis Sally starring Al Pacino; Andrew Baird's One Way starring Colson ‘Machine Gun Kelly' Baker, Travis Fimmel, and Kevin Bacon; John D. Eraklis' Pierre the Pigeon-Hawk with the voices of Whoopi Goldberg and Howie Mandel.Over the course of her career, Arianne has successfully financed multiple films using a combination of pre-sales to cover senior and subordinated debt, gap, tax credit, and facilitated capital for mezz and equity.
Job Titles:
- VP of Acquisitions and Development
With several years of distribution and acquisitions experience in the entertainment industry, Caleb Ward joins Highland Film Group in 2021 as Vice President of Acquisitions. Caleb oversees feature acquisitions and production development for Highland's global sales slate as well as its domestic releasing arm, The Avenue.
Caleb has also served as Director of Acquisitions for Byron Allen's Entertainment Studios/Freestyle. He is the Director of the Late-Night program for the Colorado-based festival SeriesFest and also served as a programmer for North Carolina's Cucalorus Film Festival. Prior to Freestyle, Caleb served as film acquisitions coordinator for The Orchard/1091 and before that as the marketing, theatrical and digital sales coordinator for Gravitas Ventures.
Caleb graduated from University of Carolina Wilmington with a B.A. in Film and Cinema Studies as well as another B.A. in Creative Writing. At his time at University of Carolina Wilmington Ward Directed the film Children of Salt and participated in the Atlantis Creative Magazine, Treehouse Magazine, and co-founded the Treehouse Magazine.
Bringing with her a significant amount of legal expertise and international sales experience within the entertainment industry, Delphine Perrier has been an essential member of Highland Film Group as its Chief Operating Officer since the company's opening in 2010. Delphine oversees the overall operational aspect of the studio as well as leads the sales team in imperative and strategic launches of multiple campaigns concurrently happening at once in a very competitive landscape.Initially, Delphine began her career in the entertainment industry as a contract administrator at Kushner & Locke where she managed an extensive library of over 200 films. She was one of the key players in the debut of Mandate Pictures where she lead the International Legal Affairs department and was responsible for collecting outstanding receivables for box office hits including The Grudge 1& 2, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, Juno, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, Stranger Than Fiction, The Messengers, Boogeyman 1 & 2, and *30 Days of Night.*Eager to complement her legal expertise in the industry, she joined Odd Lot International as the Vice President of International Sales where she developed her relationships with Hollywood producers and promoted Odd Lot International Sales Agent Service. She was then offered the challenging opportunity to be part of one of Hollywood's major studios, Paramount where she became the second in command of International Sales of the Studio's specialty branch, Paramount Vantage. Her slate includes films such as The Crazies, Shutter Island, Capitalism: A Love Story, Traitor, Last Chance Harvey, and *Ondine.*Delphine & Highland's highlights include Joe Carnahan's Boss Level starring Naomi Watts, Mel Gibson and Frank Grillo; Lin Oeding's thriller Braven starring Jason Momoa; Scott Mann's Final Score starring Dave Bautista, and Pierce Brosnan; Berlin, I Love You with Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley, Jim Sturgess, Mickey Rourke, Diego Luna, and Jenna Dewan Tatum; Vaughn Stein's Terminal starring Margot Robbie. Most recently Delphine and Highland Film Group have worked on a diversified production and sales slate that includes: Randall Emmett's Midnight in the Switchgrass starring Bruce Willis, Megan Fox, and Emile Hirsch; The Tiger Rising starring Queen Latifah and Dennis Quaid; Andrew Baird's Zone 414 starring Guy Pearce, Matilda Lutz and Travis Fimmel; Louise Linton's Me You Madness, starring Ed Westwick and Linton; Neil Marshall's The Reckoning released in the US in February 2021; Skylin3s, the third chapter of the successful franchise released in the US in December 2020, starring Lindsey Morgan; Dimitri Logothetis' Jiu Jitsu starring Nicolas Cage, Tony Jaa and Frank Grillo released in the US in November 2020; and Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion's Becky starring Lulu Wilson, Kevin James and Joel McHaleDelphine has a law degree from the Sorbonne University Law School in Paris.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Executive
- Director of Marketing and Distribution
- Head of Digital Marketing at Universal Content Group
With nearly two decades in the entertainment industry, Erik Gonzalez joined Highland Film Group in 2020, starting as a Marketing Manager and rising to Director of Domestic Marketing and Distribution. In his current role, Erik oversees all marketing efforts and shapes comprehensive theatrical and home entertainment distribution plans, aligning them with The Avenue's strategic vision.
Erik is a recognized Marketing Executive known for his dedication to 360-degree marketing strategies. He excels at translating complex subjects into tangible design concepts, driving impactful branding and marketing initiatives. Erik's enthusiasm for marketing parallels his passion for crafting bespoke distribution strategies, spanning day-and-date models to traditional theatrical releases.
As Head of Digital Marketing at Universal Content Group, Erik executed digital campaigns for films like "Driven," with Jason Sudeikis and Lee Pace, "The Public" by Emilio Estevez, and "JT LeRoy" starring Kristen Stewart and Laura Dern. Previously, he led content production at Neoganda Creative Agency working with STX Films, Sony Pictures, and others. Erik also consulted for Focus World, contributing to award-winning digital campaigns for "Raw" which rewarded him a Silver Honor, Best Multi-Platform Campaign.
Earlier, Erik held marketing roles at Universal Pictures and Walt Disney Studios, contributing to campaigns for various films, including "Children Of Men," "Smokin' Aces," "Knocked Up," "The Bourne Franchise," "The Fast & Furious Franchise," "Charlie Wilson's War," "Leatherheads," "The Incredible Hulk," "Wanted," "The Mummy Franchise," "Public Enemies," "Greenzone," "Kick-Ass," "Despicable Me," "Scott Pilgrim vs The World," "Lilo & Stitch," "The Santa Clause Franchise," "The Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise," "Brother Bear," "National Treasure," "The Pacifier," and "The Chronicles of Narnia Franchise."
Erik holds a B.A. in Communications and Theatrical Arts from the University of Southern California and a B.S. in Computer Science and Animation from the Art Institute. Beyond his career, he's an avid 2D and 3D artist and animator, passionate about storytelling.
Job Titles:
- President of Domestic Marketing and Distribution
With a background spanning four major studios and 15 years marketing experience in the entertainment industry, JJ Caruth joins the Highland Film Group in 2020 as President of Domestic Marketing and Distribution at The Avenue, a subsidiary of Highland Film Group, responsible for the marketing and distribution strategy in North America. This role links content from filmmakers to distribution platforms throughout the product lifecycle and is key to the commercial success of the brand. JJ brings to the position her extensive knowledge of the independent film market, the theatrical and home entertainment markets, consumer trends and emerging distribution platforms.
JJ most recently served as Vice President of Content Strategy and Marketing at Universal Content Group, responsible for the marketing and distribution of a diverse slate of independent films including Loving Pablo, The Public, An Evening With Beverly Luff Linn and Piercing (winner of seven Clios and one Golden Trailer award.). Prior to that, JJ was the Head of Marketing and Distribution at Focus World, a division of Focus Features and NBC Universal. Working with a small but nimble team, she developed integrated marketing plans and innovative distribution tactics. The Focus World release slate set new milestones for the company such as #1 non-traditional release (5 Flights Up) and #1 distributor of non-traditional releases in 2015, 2nd largest foreign film debut of 2016 in the US (A Tale of Love and Darkness) and winner of Golden Trailer award (Raw) in 2017.
Prior to Highland Film Group, JJ worked in various marketing roles in theatrical and home entertainment at the Walt Disney Studios, Twentieth Century Fox and MGM. Originally from London, England, JJ studied at UCLA and began her entertainment career in international television sales at MGM.
Possessing a deep understanding of the Film Distribution landscape and combining her significant international sales & market expertise, Laura Voros joined Highland Film Group in 2013 as their Executive Vice President of Sales. There she has employed her extensive expertise in Domestic and International Sales for Highland Film Group, developing high profile connections with distributors all over the world. Laura has used her breadth of knowledge to expertly negotiate contracts for foreign sales territories worldwide while concurrently managing publicity and marketing campaigns at all major industry trade shows, including AFM, EFM, TIFF, MIPCOM, NAPTE, MIPTV, Hong Kong FILMART, DISCOP and Cannes.
Laura began her career as a correspondent reporter at CNN and continued her career in entertainment at the American Cinema International as their Vice President of Foreign Sales and Marketing. Laura then continued her career as an Entertainment Trade Commissioner for the Consulate General of Canada before joining Highland Film Group.
Laura graduated with an M.F.A. in Film and Television Production from Chapman University. Laura, in her free time whenever those moons do align, is a Pilates Instructor, and is passionate about fitness.
As a seasoned, results-oriented accounting professional, Monique Green joined Highland Film Group as Chief Financial Officer in 2018. In her capacity, Monique oversees all aspects of Accounting Operations and Corporate Financial Reporting of Highland Film Group and all subsidiaries. She brings a wealth of experience to her role, possessing an extensive background in independent film production, sales and distribution.
Preceding her time at the Highland Film Group, Monique served as Controller at production companies such as Samuel Goldwyn Films (Supersize Me, Master and Commander) Mandate Pictures (Grudge 2) and Harvey Comics (Casper), where she managed budgets in excess of $100M. She also worked for Vision Films, an independent sales agency and domestic aggregator, where she was responsible for the accounting of a library of over 200 titles.
Prior to that time, she worked as Global Controller for Spirituality for Kids, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to bringing social-emotional learning tools to as many children and parents as possible throughout the world. Now Monique continues her heart's work as a member of the Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, where she serves as the Chapter Treasurer.
A native Los Angeleno, Monique holds a B.A. in Economics from California State University, Northridge and an M.B.A. in International Business from Pepperdine University. She currently resides in the South Bay with her family.
Job Titles:
- Director of Acquisitions and Administration
- in 2020 As an Executive Assistant
Narine Garibyan joined Highland Film Group in 2020 as an Executive Assistant. She serves as the program manager of all company wide things including distribution, sales, and marketing. She is the foundation that keeps all script readings organized, all scheduling for markets aligned, and all meetings up to date. It's like air traffic control for the film industry, and she keeps the well-oiled machine running for our amazing executives. In addition, she also works closely with the company's development and acquisitions department in order to identify material for the company's slate.
Narine comes from Voltage Pictures where she was a Development Intern turned Executive Assistant turned Creative Executive. She worked on films including I Feel Pretty, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile and Ava.
Native to Los Angeles, Narine studied at California State University, Northridge where she achieved a B.S. in Psychology. "My background in psychology proves to be a useful tool when identifying material that I believe audiences around the world will resonate with as well as projects that capture the human experience," says Narine. When she's not working, Narine enjoys being in nature and exploring the many hiking trails in Los Angeles.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Operations
- VP of Operations
A 23-year veteran to the industry, Paul W. Hazen currently serves as Highland Film Group's Vice President of Operations and oversees numerous aspects of the day-to-day operations of the company including the intake and output of all physical materials and document deliverables. Simultaneously, Paul has served as a Post-Production Supervisor, Producer's Rep and an Acquisitions Consultant for the past 15 years through his consulting firm, Handshake Partners, having been involved in the acquisition, negotiation, and placement of over 250 independent feature films and television properties with domestic distributors, foreign sales agents, and territorial buyers.
Before joining HFG, Paul previously headed up IFTA On Demand, a VOD Aggregation service that originated from the NBC-Universal-Comcast merger, and also served as SVP Acquisitions and Operations for MarVista Entertainment which produced both film and series in the television marketplace for companies such as SyFy, Lifetime, Hallmark, ABC Family, and Disney Channel. Paul has also served as an Executive Producer and worked on numerous films such as Mercy written by Scott Caan, Elsewhere starring Oscar Nominee Anna Kendrick, and Paul Schrader's The Canyons starring Lindsay Lohan.
Paul holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication - Radio, Television, & Film from California State University, Northridge, a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature/Writing from University of California, San Diego, and an Associate's Degree in Fine Arts from Ohlone College. When he isn't helping HFG, Paul is constantly on the search for vintage movie memorabilia of Stanley Kubrick's films to grow his iconic collection.
Job Titles:
- Head of Marketing and Communications
After relocating from Paris to Los Angeles in 2017, Sebastien Aussal joined Highland Film Group as Head of Marketing where he currently oversees marketing campaigns, branding and communication strategies for HFG. From brainstorming to implementation, Sebastien has conducted and organized the successful execution of multiple film markets for the company.
Prior to HFG, Sebastien held positions in marketing and content sales for TF1, Wild Bunch, and MGM, previously serving as Distribution and Sales Director at TF1 Studio, part of Europe's leading broadcaster TF1. He oversaw successful releases from various genres (MI-5, The Age of Adaline, Son Of A Gun, Dark Places, Maya The Bee). Sebastien also co-founded Outbuster in 2015, a French SVOD platform dedicated to international movies, and previously served as the Marketing Director for Wild Bunch where he worked on a very diverse slate (Walking Dead, Rec Apocalypse, Northmen, The Signal, Welcome to New York). During his early months in the states, Sebastien managed sales and marketing for Celsius Entertainment, a feature film sales agent with a catalog of several classic movies (Old Boy, Paris Je T'Aime, The Bookshop).
Sebastien studied marketing and sales, graduating with MBA's from two top European business schools, EBS Germany and Grenoble Graduate School of Business. One of Sebastien's hobbies is improv - but he has yet to try it on stage in English in LA - so let's encourage him to go for it!
Job Titles:
- President of International Sales
Bringing a unique perspective with an ability to blend his studio system background with an extensive Indie expertise, Todd Olsson joins Highland Film Group in 2019 as President of International Sales. Todd carries considerable knowledge on the creative development and production side, coupled with extensive experience in financing, international marketing and distribution all gathered through significant time at companies such as The Walt Disney Company, Bauer Martinez, Lakeshore Entertainment, Lionsgate/Sobini, and most recently the International Film Trust.
Todd began his career at The Walt Disney Company as Director of Acquisitions for international at Buena Vista Home Entertainment (B.V.H.E.), over those six years Todd acquired more than 100 titles. He also managed the Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli) deal for the studio, valued at over $1 billion. Todd co-produced English language versions of Kiki's Delivery Service and Castle in the Sky. He was also integral in the dubbing and release of Princess Mononoke with Claire Danes and Billy Bob Thornton through Miramax.
Eventually, Todd left Disney to join independent film producer Mark Damon's MDP (Behaviour, [now Media 8]) as VP International Sales. Soon after, Todd became Head of International for four years at Promark/Zenpix and American World Pictures, handling acquisitions, overseeing marketing, sales and worldwide distribution. For the next six years, Todd worked as head of International for Bauer Martinez Studios and then Mark Amin's Sobini Films at Lionsgate. Following Bauer, Todd was brought in as SVP International at Lakeshore Entertainment and developed an innovative and progressive plan to reinvigorate sales on their considerable library over the next few years. Todd spent several recent years as Head of International (SVP) at International Film Trust.
Todd received a B.F.A in Cinema from Brigham Young University.