Chris Zarpas

Photo of Chris Zarpas

Biography

Thus was the case with Chris Zarpas. A law school graduate, he went to work as a film buyer for the East Coast-based Circle Theatres chain. After a screening of Ethan and Joel Coen's "Blood Simple", Zarpas returned to his bosses and convinced them to establish a distribution company to handle the film. Circle Films, Inc was established with Zarpas at the helm. The company's first release, "Blood Simple" (1984) not only launched the Coen …
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Job Title

Producer

Career Milestones

1999

Stepped down as president and CEO of Scott Free to pursue career as independent producer

1999

Was a co-executive producer of the acclaimed HBO movie "RKO 281"; film nominated for Emmy as Oustanding Made for Television Movie

1997

Served as an executive producer on "G.I. Jane" and "In Too Deep"

1995

Named as president of Scott Free Productions, a company formed by Ridley and Tony Scott

1995

Produced "The Little Death"

1993

Executive produced "The Sandlot" with Burg

1992

Left Island after Eric Eisner was appointed as CEO

1991

With Burg, was executive producer of "Toy Soldiers" and "Strictly Business"

1990

Promoted to co-president (with Mark Burg) of Island Pictures (date approximate)

1989

Joined Island Pictures in acquisitions

1987

Joined Touchstone Pictures as vice president of production; later named president of production and acquisitions

Served as domestic marketing and distribution VP at Circle Releasing

1984

While working as film buyer for Circle Theatre chain discovered Coen Brothers' "Blood Simple"; convinced company to form Circle Films to distribute the movie

Awards

2000

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Made For Television Movie in RKO 281