Amy Pascal Stepping Down At Sony Pictures, Issues Statement

Amy Pascal, a top exec for Sony Pictures, has decided to step down from her prominent position.

Pascal, 56, Sony Pictures co-chairman and chairwoman of the Motion Pictures group will embark on a brand new adventure – launching her new venture as a movie producer.

Amy confirmed the news in an official statement published by the Hollywood Reporter Thursday.

“I have spent almost my entire professional life at Sony Pictures and I am energized to be starting this new chapter based at the company I call home. I have always wanted to be a producer. [Sony Entertainment CEO] Michael [Lynton] and I have been talking about this transition for quite some time, and I am grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to pursue my long-held dream and for providing unparalleled support.”

Pascal continues by explaining why now is the perfect time for her to make this major transition with Sony Pictures in order to pursue her longtime dream.

“As the slate for the next two years has come together, it felt like the right time to transition into this new role. I am so grateful to my team, some of whom I have worked with for the last 20 years and others who have joined more recently. I am leaving the studio in great hands. I am so proud of what we have all done together and I look forward to a whole lot more.”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Pascal’s new venture will begin in May – two months after her current deal ends. Amy Pascal will become one of the producers of the new Ghostbusters film as well as upcoming installments of the Amazing Spider-Man franchise.

Amy Pascal made headlines late last year when many of her private emails were leaked as part of the studio’s massive data breach. The messages contained negative remarks made by Pascal about President Obama as well as Oscar-winning actress, Angelina Jolie. The hack came shortly before the scheduled release of the controversial film, The Interview starring James Franco and Seth Rogen.

Amy has been able to build a decades-long career in the movie business, working behind the scenes with studios on many films that are still highly praised by fans and critics. For instance, after joining Columbia Pictures in 1988, Amy Pascal was responsible for developing such popular films as A League of Their Own, Awakenings, Little Women and Groundhog Day.

[Image Credit: Business Insider]