Emmy-winning producer Robert Halmi Sr. is leaving RHI Entertainment, the production company he founded, to start a new one -- at 88 years old.
RHI has produced hundreds of TV movies and miniseries, from epics ("Gulliver's Travels," "The Ten Commandments,") to biographies ("The Josephine Baker Story"), new versions of classic films ("The Land of Oz,") and, in recent years, the low-budget monster movies that crowd SyFy's schedule. One of its most recent hits was the Oz-inspired 2007 miniseries "Tin Man" on SyFy.
Haimi founded the company in 1979 sold it in 1994 to Hallmark Cards. In 2006, he and his son, Robert Haimi Jr., bought it back, but took on massive debt in the process. In 2010 it filed for Chapter 11, listing assets of $524.7 million and liabilities of $834 million. But it kept making television.
Haimi now plans to start a new production company based in New York, and will continue to work with RHI on projects he initiated.
"I am extremely excited about what the future has in store, having just celebrated my 88th birthday," he said in a statement. "I became a producer so that I could follow my passion and create great programming that captivates and enchants audiences. This arrangement allows me the creative freedom to focus exclusively on what has inspired me from the beginning. I am thrilled to be able to continue to do what I have always loved the most."
Gabriel de Alba, chairman of the board for RHI, said the company plans to branch out to television series and other formats beyond movies and mini-series.
"This new agreement is ideal for both parties. It ensures that our working relationship with Robert continues and that we can benefit from his singular creative vision, even as the company grows into new areas," he said.
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