Alex Fraser, the former Red Arrow Studios, Sky Vision and IMG Media executive, has died aged 54.
The acquisitions and distribution specialist had cancer and passed away earlier this month at home in London.
Fraser was a well-known face on the international circuit, working senior roles at Red Arrow Studios International (now Seven.One Studios International) and Sky Vision (now part of Sky Studios) in London. His primarily skill as a dealmaker was financing European co-productions in both scripted and unscripted.
Over a career lasting nearly 25 years, Fraser ran his own consultancy, AMF Consulting, and held several key posts at major distributors. Earlier in his career, he held roles at Eagle Rock Entertainment and IMG Media, where he met the likes of industry veteran Henrik Pabst, who later hired him as EVP Acquisitions & Content Investment at ProSiebenSat.1 Media’s Red Arrow Studios International.
“I met Alex 20 years ago at IMG Media and from minute one, he was supportive and welcoming, which helped me a lot and started our friendship,” said Pabst.
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“Alex was one of these rare souls, very funny and cynically sharp, yet with a heart of half of the size of his body. His view on life and on work topics helped me often to see clearer. Thank you, Alex. Hanging out with him on the Autobahn at Cologne Carneval or laughing and gossiping over a good meal somewhere on this planet will never be forgotten. I will miss you, my dear friend.”
Pabst is now CEO of Married at First Sight and Vienna Blood firm Seven.One Studios and Chief Content Officer, Entertainment for Seven.One Entertainment, which is part of German giant ProSiebenSat.1.
Niki Page, who worked with Fraser twice during his career, said: “I knew Alex on both a professional and personal level, and he was a truly exceptional person. We worked together at Sky Vision and later at Red Arrow, where his vast network of contacts in the UK and U.S. made him a great dealmaker.
“He was a font of industry knowledge — knowing who worked where, who bought what, and who might be in line to make the next big move. His expertise was invaluable to all of us. On a personal level, I will miss him terribly — his dry sense of humour, quick wit, sharp intelligence, and, above all, his big heart. Alex’s presence left a lasting impact, and his friendship was something I will always cherish.”
Malcolm Gerrie, who runs the Lionsgate-owned UK producer Whizz Kid Entertainment, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear about Alex’s passing and my thoughts are with his friends and family. We first met in the early nineties when Alex was working for Greg Roselli’s Big Picture company, and I was running Initial TV. We desperately needed distribution and Greg and Alex were a perfect fit for us: Passionate about good ideas, well connected and progressive.
“Alex was hugely likeable, charming, and smart. He knew everyone and his gentle manner was a hit both with producers and buyers. He became a popular, friendly face at MIPTV and MIPCOM and was the go-to person for the very best gossip in Cannes. He will be sorely missed.”
The post Alex Fraser Dies: Former Red Arrow, Sky & IMG Media Exec Was 54 appeared first on Deadline.
