Epic Pictures Group Expands Film Production and Finance Operations

Patrick Ewald and Shaked Berenson's Epic Pictures Group is expanding its film production and finance operations with the hiring of John Short as V.P. of International Sales. The hiring marks Ewald and Berenson's commitment to focus on Epic's original productions, while Short will oversee day-to-day operations for the company's successful foreign sales business. Short is introducing Epic's slate at the upcoming Filmart in Hong Kong, March 18-21 and will then attend the Marché du Film in Cannes, May 16-25.

Epic Pictures Group's BIG ASS SPIDER! will make its world premiere at the upcoming SXSW Film Festival in Austin, TX on Monday, March 11. Ewald and Berenson financed and produced the picture that was directed by Mike Mendez and stars Greg Grunberg ("Heroes"). Klaus Von Sayn-Wittgenstein of Wittgenstein Entertainment Produced and co-financed with Epic. The company recently executive produced VIKINGDOM starring Dominic Purcell, Craig Fairbrass, Jon Foo, and Natassia Malthe; acquired horror anthology V/H/S at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival which is being released in theaters worldwide; and co-executive produced MALL, a collaboration with the multi-platinum and Grammy award winning band, Linkin Park.

Short comes to Epic Pictures Group with extensive knowledge and experience in the international film marketplace, including worldwide sales, distribution and marketing. He recently served as Vice President of International Sales for Hyde Park Entertainment, where he handled films including Bernie starring Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, and Matthew McConaughey, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance starring Nicolas Cage and OUR IDIOT BROTHER starring Paul Rudd. Prior to Hyde Park, Short served as Vice President of YFG International where he sold titles such as THE ACCIDENTAL HUSBAND starring Uma Thurman, THE MAIDEN HEIST starring Morgan Freeman, and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH starring Kate Beckinsale.

"John's business acumen and extensive relationships with international buyers is a perfect complement to our team. We look forward to working with him as we continue to expand our original production slate and sales operations over the next eighteen months," Ewald and Berenson jointly commented.

John Short: "It is an exciting time to be joining with the Epic Pictures Group team as the company is getting more involved in financing and producing bigger budget, cast-driven projects."

Headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, Epic Pictures Group is a Worldwide Entertainment company specializing in the financing, production, and distribution of commercial feature films and television content from around the world. Epic Pictures Group represents worldwide sales for both its own slate of films as well as third party content.

Epic Pictures Group seeks out relationships with exceptional producers and talent in order to secure A-level, high-quality projects. The company actively develops a full range of new relationships and strategic alliances with financiers, independent production companies, producers and studios both domestically and in Europe and Asia.