By Ruth Addicott
Emap film magazine Empire has promoted Colin Kennedy to editor.
Kennedy became acting editor five months ago when editor Emma Cochrane went on maternity leave.
Cochrane is expected to return to Emap but in a new role in special projects.
During his time as acting editor, Kennedy managed to revamp the magazine and expand the DVD coverage to reflect the growth in home entertainment.
“It had a fairly thorough overhaul and a slight refocus. We are looking to make DVD more of a central plank in what we can offer readers,” he told Press Gazette. Kennedy said he was “thrilled” to get the editorship. “Emap has just had a fantastic year and Empire has been a huge part of that.
I couldn’t have had better training than on-the-job.”
Kennedy joined Empire nearly three years ago as features editor. He was later promoted to deputy editor before taking over as acting editor.
Prior to Empire, he worked for Smash! Hits and freelanced for Total Film, The Economist and NME.
“We want to try to make sure we cater for every part of the readership, featuring commercial cinema as well as independent foreign cinema,” he added. “Film is really hot right now. There are a lot of really big mainstream but intelligent movies coming out and we believe there is no magazine in the world in a better position to cover them – and that is reflected by the amount of enquiries we get from the US.”
Empire has also undergone a number of staff changes.
Damon Wise has been confirmed as news editor, Ian Freer has become associate editor and Alan Morrison has become reviews editor.
In addition, Mark Elliott has been moved up from business manager to publisher.
“We had a little bit of internal movement but we have a fantastically able and senior team with great contacts between them,” said Kennedy.
Ruth Addicott
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