Longtime Universal acquisitions exec Jasper Van Hecke has recently left his role as SVP Global, Acquisitions & Production at the Universal Pictures Content Group (UPCG), headquartered in London.Dutchman Hecke joined UPCG in 2008 and was known for acquiring, pre-buying and exec-producing feature films and documentaries for global and multi territory rights. He was in his latest role since 2017.During his tenure Van Hecke managed a team of executives across several territories, including in London, Los Angeles, Sydney and Amsterdam. It’s not immediately clear if he will be replaced.Among the many films Van Hecke worked on were Pearl, Five Feet Apart, ‘71, Thelma, Personal Shopper, Springbreakers, War With Grandpa, Cop Car, Emily The Criminal, Mandy, First Reformed, Moonage Daydream, Tina, Marley, Apollo 11 and Three Identical Strangers. Upcoming docs include Musk and The Last Journey. Below, the executive runs down some of the career highlights from his time at the studio.Prior to UPCG, Van Hecke was Head of Development & Production at Stephen Fry’s Film and TV outfit Sprout Pictures. Van Hecke also worked as a creative producer at MTV Networks and Corrino Media Group, which he also co-founded. Van Hecke started his career directing TV commercials for brands including Coca Cola, McDonalds and Axe.His next steps are not set, we understand, but there are conversations underway about potential moves.Van Hecke said: “When I started at UPCG back in 2008 I was soon tasked with growing the group’s film and documentary efforts. After realizing years of growth, it prides me film and docs have become key pillars of UPCG’s entertainment portfolio. The Content Group is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, which is what’s allowed me to contribute to its legacy. Since our business is very much a team sport, my “special thanks” credit goes out to all the extraordinary filmmakers and NBCU colleagues I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with.”He continued: “Having served the studio for 16 years I’m excited for a next chapter and look forward to exploring new options. In today’s landscape content is king and talent is Kong. Aligning these key elements with capital and distribution in forward facing ways will unlock the best opportunities in my view. What’s clear is that my career will remain dedicated to serving great storytellers and artists – being a catalyst for their creative endeavors, connecting them to audiences, and helping them capitalize on their IP.”
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