Sony Japan CEO Bill Ireton resigns to start an independent production company

Bill Ireton, an executive producer in Tokyo, is retiring from Sony Pictures International Productions, Japan, where he oversaw local production, to form an independent production company effective January 1, 2023.

The new company will develop and produce cross-platform content based primarily on Japanese intellectual property for audiences around the world.

During his time at Sony, Ireton oversaw the production of a number of Japanese feature films, including hellhoundsstarring Junichi Okada and directed by Masato Harada; I’m Makimotowith Sadao Abe and violent actioncurrently streaming on Netflix.

“Making films with Sony Pictures for the past four years has been an incredible experience that has contributed to this exciting new chapter in my career,” said Ireton.

Sanford Panitch, president of the Motion Picture Group at Sony Pictures, said: “I want to thank Bill for his years of service. Making Japanese films remains a high priority for the company. Bill’s experience and connections have contributed to our continued local manufacturing efforts in Japan and we wish him the best of luck with his new venture, which I know is something he has wanted to do for some time.”

Ireton pioneered local language film production for the American studios in Asia and in 2007 began local production for Warner Bros. started in Japan. Rurouni Kenshin Trilogy; don’t forgivedirected by Sang-il Lee and based on the film by Clint Eastwood, and The Straw ShieldDirected by Takashi Miike.

He was also involved in producing a worldwide blockbuster Letters from Iwo Jimawith Ken Watanabe.

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