Production Manager based in Tokyo Bill Ireton leaves his post at Sony Pictures International Productionsin Japan, where he oversaw local production, to launch an independent production business starting January 1, 2023.

The new venture will develop and produce content for multiple platforms, primarily based on Japanese IP for audiences around the world.

While at Sony, Ireton oversaw the production of a Japanese language feature list, including hell houndswith Junichi Okada and directed by Masato Harada; I am Makimotowith Sadao Abe, and Fight against violencewhich is currently streaming on Netflix.

“Making films with Sony Pictures over the past four years has been a wonderful experience that has helped propel this exciting new chapter in my career,” said Ireton.

Sanford Panitch, Chairman of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group, said, “I want to thank Bill for his work over the past few years. Making Japanese films continues to be a high priority for the company. Bill’s experience and connections have helped our continued efforts in local production in Japan, and we wish him well in his new endeavor, which I know is something he has wanted to do for some time. time.

Ireton was a pioneer in local language film production for American studios in Asia, launching local production for Warner Bros. in Japan in 2007. During a seven-year tenure, he was involved in 49 films, including the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy; unforgivendirected by Sang-il Lee and based on the Clint Eastwood film, and The Straw Shielddirected by Takashi Miike.

He also participated in the production of a global blockbuster Letters from Iwo Jimawith Ken Watanabe.

Sony Pictures International Productions, co-led by Shebnem Askin and Michael Rifkin, is the local language production arm of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group.