-By T.L. Stanley

Valerie Van Galder and Marc Weinstock—longtime colleagues whose working relationship stretches back to indie powerhouse Fox Searchlight—have been named co-presidents of worldwide theatrical marketing at Sony Pictures Entertainment. They will oversee releases from Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation and genre division Screen Gems.

Between them, they've created campaigns for Sony's film divisions that have launched 28 features at the No. 1 spot at the box office in recent years, including The DaVinci Code, Talladega Nights, Spider-Man 3, Resident Evil: Extinction and When a Stranger Calls.

Van Galder has risen through the Sony ranks, via marketing posts at both TriStar Pictures and the Screen Gems boutique division, where she hired Weinstock away from her former home at Fox Searchlight. Her indie marketing skills were honed on The Full Monty, Waking Ned Devine and The Ice Storm at Fox. More recently, Van Galder made hits of Sony genre flicks like The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Silent Hill and You Got Served.

When Van Galder hopped to Sony Pictures Entertainment as president of domestic marketing in 2006, Weinstock rose to the head marketing post at Screen Gems.

During her tenure, Van Galder has launched hits like Superbad, Casino Royale, The Pursuit of Happyness and Ghost Rider. At the same time, Weinstock has had No. 1 opening movies like Underworld: Evolution and Stomp the Yard. He also has cross-promotions and partnerships in his background, forging deals while at Fox Searchlight with Max Factor, Borden Foods, AOL and BarnesandNoble.com.

"Val and Marc are recognized as two of the most creative, imaginative and strategic motion picture marketers in the industry today," said Jeff Blake, chairman of worldwide marketing and distribution, to whom the pair reports. "They have worked magnificently well together as partners for more than a decade, and they have an incredible and enviable track record of success."

They'll be working on a full slate of about 20 films a year, with some notables coming up on the slate. Those include the 22nd James Bond film, Quantum of Solace (set for a fall release); the follow-up to DaVinci Code, Angels & Demons; The Smurfs movie; District 9, with Peter Jackson as producer; and The Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3—a remake starring John Travolta and Denzel Washington.

"Marc and Val each bring with them the trust and confidence of the studio's top filmmakers, talent and executives," Blake said, "and we couldn't be in better hands."