Jim Tauber, Longtime Film Executive, Dies at 74

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Jim Tauber, a renowned figure in the film industry who spent several decades working for companies such as Columbia TriStar, Gramercy Pictures, Propaganda Films, 20th Century Fox, Anonymous Content, and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, has passed away at the age of 74.

Tauber died Wednesday of complications from multiple myeloma, his family announced.

At SKE, Tauber has been in charge of some highly praised movies such as The Place Beyond the Pines, Death at a Funeral, Lars and the Real Girl, and the Oscar-nominated best picture Hell or High Water.

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At SKE, Tauber has overseen critically acclaimed films including The Place Beyond the Pines, Death at a Funeral, Lars and the Real Girl, as well as Hell or High Water, which was nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture.

Prior to this, he played a crucial role in the initial setup of Anonymous Content, later assuming the positions of President and COO. Subsequently, he worked as the Global Executive Vice President for Acquisitions & Co-Productions at 20th Century Fox.

Tauber transitioned to Anonymous from Propaganda Films, serving as both president and COO. During his tenure there, he oversaw the production of around 30 films, including “Being John Malkovich” and “Wild at Heart”, and played a significant role in establishing Gramercy Pictures, a distribution company.

Previously, I held a position as Executive Vice President for Acquisitions and Legal/Business Affairs at Columbia TriStar Pictures. In this role, I managed all acquisition and sales contracts, and was instrumental in the production of over 50 feature films, such as the groundbreaking “sex, lies and videotape,” along with Sundance hits like “The Waterdance” and “Gas Food Lodging.

Following a ten-year stint at SKE, where he managed over thirty movies and held the position of president, Tauber stepped down from the film world in 2015. Since then, he has become a certified psychotherapist and jointly runs a practice with his wife, Laura Newman.

In 2022, the pair initiated Lefty’s Coffee, a coffee shop in Los Olivos that emphasizes ethical sourcing and sustainability. They cohabited with their farm and vineyard, sharing it with two dogs, two donkeys, two goats, and ten chickens.

Tauber’s kind heart and welcoming demeanor brought great solace to those close to him. He was known for his quick wit, willing ear, and wise advice when needed, never shying away from any topic,” his family expressed. “He was the dependable friend who was ever-present, eager to share in the personal moments that strengthen bonds of friendship.

He hails from the suburbs of Chicago, specifically Glencoe, and has been a part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for many years.

Apart from his spouse, the surviving family members are his sister named Joanie, along with daughters Lucy (nicknamed J.), Dixie, and Zazu. A private funeral service is scheduled, followed by a commemoration event taking place at a future point in time.

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2025-01-24 21:24