Controversy Over New Movie Research Firm

In Hollywood, former OTX and MPG Chief Executive Vincent Bruzzese is heading up a new entertainment research firm, C4, with the backing of three film producers. The move closely follows the closure of MPG, many of whose staff are joining the new company.

Former MPG execs Kristen Simmons, Rich Fineza, Miriam Brin, Wade Young and Rob Siegel are among those signed for C4, which will also be backed by Josh James, founder and CEO of Domo.

Bruzzese told www.thewrap.com that Hollywood had always been 'woefully behind in terms of evolving and understanding consumers in this new digital era', adding: 'It's always been a goal of mine to crack that code, and with Todd and Michael and the resources we have, I think we have an unbelievable opportunity to help this industry evolve.'

According to www.variety.com , the opening is wreathed in controversy. Bruzzese and his new backers say they approached MPG's employees about joining C4 only after they were let go by MPG, which had fallen into financial difficulties since its sale by Ipsos a little over a year ago. However David Lugliani, another partner in the buyout from Ipsos, suggested Bruzzese had 'abruptly resigned and fired all of the employees without notice last week, leaving behind significant debt after a year of financial straits that amounted to $3 million in losses.' Lugliani says he is 'getting ready to sue'.

C4 has apparently made an offer for MPG's data and had it turned down, but C4 says the data can be obtained from other sources and the company can move forward 'with or without it'.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.