Amy Pascal leaving Sony seemed pretty inevitable thanks to the hacking scandal that is still affecting the entertainment company on a daily basis. It was Pascal's slanderous emails being leaked, according to the New York Times, that first clued everyone in to the fact that there had been a breach, and while her negative comments may have been typed in brief moments of frustration, they have done a real job on her reputation. It was confirmed today, Feb. 5, that Pascal would be stepping down as Sony co-chairman but remain with the company as the head of a new in-house venture.
Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton issued a statement, saying, "The studio's legacy is due in large part to Amy's passion for storytelling and love of this industry. I am delighted that Amy will be continuing her association with SPE through this new venture, which capitalizes on her extraordinary talents. In recent months, SPE faced some unprecedented challenges, and I am grateful for Amy's resilience and grace during this period."
Pascal will be launching a new production at Sony Studios beginning in May, and it will no doubt thrive under her expertise. Under her tutelage, Sony Pictures made $46 billion in global theatrical box office revenue and racked up 315 Academy Award nominations.
Some of the films that thrived under her were The Da Vinci Code, Adaptation, Eat Pray Love, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Moneyball, Zero Dark Thirty and the last three James Bond movies.
Readers: Are you surprised it took the entertainment empire three months to move Pascal to a different position, one lower on the totem pole? Did you think there was any chance she would retain her cushy position for the long haul? Tell us your thoughts on Pascal's being moved at Sony in the comments section below.
