Dick Cook

For other people with the same name, seeRichard Cook (disambiguation).

Richard W. Cookis an American film entertainment executive, and has served on the Board of Directors ofLegendary Picturessince 2011. Prior to joining Legendary Pictures, he was the Chairman of theWalt Disney Studiosfrom 2002 to 2009. At the time of his separation from the company, he was the only remaining topDisneyexecutive who had worked for the company since beforeMichael Eisnertook charge in 1984. Cook holds a degree inpolitical sciencefrom theUniversity of Southern California(USC).

Career

Cook began his career with Disney in 1970 as amonorailandsteam locomotiveamusement parkride operator atDisneylandand moved to theWalt Disney StudiosinBurbankin 1977 to managepay televisionand non-theatrical releases. In 1980, he moved to the company's film distribution department, eventually heading both its distribution and marketing efforts. He earned a reputation there by his marketing of Disney'shome videocollection and hosting media-worthy moviepremieres,for example securing aUnited States Navyaircraft carrierbased inPearl Harborto host the debut of the filmPearl Harbor.In 1994, Cook was promoted to president ofBuena Vista Pictures Distribution.

Cook was appointed in 1996 chairman of Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, tasked with domestic and international theatrical marketing and distribution, feature film acquisition, and worldwide home video. In February 2002, Eisner named him asPeter Schneider'sreplacement as chairman of studios,popularly called the studio chief. Cook, described byBusinessWeekin 2003 as "the nicest guy in Disney's jungle", is known for his down-to-earth personality and his good relations with Disney's partners, includingJerry Bruckheimer.In 2005, Cook negotiated the exit of Harvey and Bob Weinstein from Disney'sMiramaxunit.

In 2005, Cook was awarded theWalt Disney Man of the Year Award,in recognition of "inspiring and positive role models for young people" from within the entertainment community, byBig Brothers Big SistersofGreater Los Angeles& theInland Empire. On July 17, 2006, Cook fired Disney executiveNina Jacobsonover the telephone, immediately after the birth of her third child, while she was still in the delivery room.

On September 18, 2009, Cook stepped down as chairman ofWalt Disney Studios,allegedly having been asked to do so byBob Iger,president/CEO of the Walt Disney Company.He was then replaced by Disney Channel presidentRich Ross.

In April 2011, Cook joined the Board of Directors ofLegendary Pictures,and served as one of the executive producers of Legendary Pictures' Jackie Robinson biographical film42.In August 2013, Cook was made Chairman ofKCETLink's Board of Directors.

On April 19, 2015, Cook announced the formation of Dick Cook Studios, with an expected investment of $150 million by Citic Guoan Group Co. Ltd., a Chinese state-owned company and the largest subsidiary of conglomerateCitic Group.As of March 2016, the deal had closed, but no funding had yet been received under the arrangement. On the weekend of March 19, 2016, Cook Studios signed a production financing deal withFilm Carnival,a Zhejiang, China-based company, for $500 million, covering 100% of movie costs. The announcement was made on March 29, after the Cook Studio and Film Carnival hosted the inaugural China–U.S. Motion Picture Summit on March 25 in Grand Epoch City, China. The first film using the financing is expected to be "Ranger's Apprentice"from directorPaul Haggis,and the second,The Alchemyst.Both are to be filmed atDocklands Studios Melbourne,where its Asia-Pacific base would be set up under Melbourne-native managing director Kate McLean. The Australian and Victoria region governments granted incentives up to $20.5 million (AUS$30 million).