Margot Robbie and Jason Blum Join Cinema United Leadership

Margot Robbie and Jason Blum have joined Cinema United's Filmmaker Leadership Council, the exhibition trade group announced. The council brings producers and directors together to champion the future of cinemagoing.

"We are thrilled and honored to welcome two leaders like Margot and Jason to this influential group," said Michael O'Leary, president and CEO of Cinema United. "Margot is a global superstar and the voice of a generation who loves movies on the big screen. Jason is beloved by fans around the world for creating incredible — and scary — experiences in theatres. They are both well-known, fierce advocates of the theatrical experience. I want to thank them both for their commitment, and I look forward to working closely with them to advance this great industry together."

Robbie and Blum, both three-time Academy Award nominees, join council leaders Jerry Bruckheimer and Emma Thomas. The charter members include Ryan Coogler, Brad Bird, Jason Reitman and Celine Song. Greg Foster serves as the council's executive director.

Robbie is currently in production on the "Ocean's Eleven" prequel, which she is also producing through her LuckyChap banner. Blum founded and runs Blumhouse Productions, the company behind the "Paranormal Activity," "The Purge," "Insidious" and "Sinister" franchises.

Merged Agencies DDA Talent and WPA Rebrand as Ascent Creatives International

The merged production agencies Dattner Dispoto and Associates and Worldwide Production Agency have rebranded as Ascent Creatives International.

The combined roster includes Academy Award-winning cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt ("Mank") and Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth ("The Social Network"). Cinematographers Maryse Alberti ("Creed"), Larry Fong ("Watchmen"), John Mathieson ("Gladiator"), Mihai Mălaimare Jr. ("The Master," "Jojo Rabbit") and Malik Sayeed ("Clockers," "Belly," "After the Hunt") are also represented, along with director Michael Goi ("Avatar: The Last Airbender"), editor Ian S. Tan ("Avatar: The Last Airbender"), and producers Chris Smirnoff ("Pluribus") and Ralph Winter (the "X-Men" franchise).

Ascent will focus on collaborative representation for cinematographers, production and costume designers, editors, visual effects artists, directors and producers. The agency maintains offices in Los Angeles, on the East Coast and in London. Frank Balkin, Molly Bruns, Bill Dispoto, Brian Goldberg, Steve Jacob, Trevor Kossack and Erin Searcy staff the West Coast office, with agent Mirand Roseman joining them. Juanita Tiangco runs the East Coast, and Barnaby Laws, Estere Sulca and Amber Thompson are based in the U.K.

Marcus Theatres Names Shannah Miller Senior Vice President

Marcus Theatres has named Shannah Miller senior vice president of marketing and sales. She starts Oct. 19.

Miller brings more than 20 years of experience in entertainment and content distribution. She most recently served as vice president of marketing for Fathom Entertainment and previously held leadership positions at Atom Tickets and Sony Music.

"Shannah has extensive entertainment industry experience and a proven track record of connecting audiences with compelling content while increasing brand awareness and driving business growth," said Jeff Tomachek, president of Marcus Theatres. "Her strategic perspective and strong industry relationships will be invaluable as we continue to evolve our marketing and sales strategies across our circuit. We are excited to welcome Shannah to Marcus Theatres and look forward to her leadership as we build on our momentum to continue delivering memorable moments for our moviegoers."

Miller's hire comes as exhibition chains continue to compete for audiences with streaming, and her remit will shape how Marcus markets the theatrical experience across its circuit.