David Weitzner, a prominent Hollywood marketing executive, has left an indelible mark on the film industry with his groundbreaking campaigns for iconic movies.
David Weitzner: A Legacy in Hollywood Marketing
David Weitzner, a prominent Hollywood marketing executive known for steering major campaigns for iconic films such as Star Wars, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, passed away at his home in Calabasas, California, on September 1, following a brief illness. He was 86 years old.
Career Highlights
Weitzner’s death was confirmed by the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, where he held the position of Mark Burnett Endowed Chair for the Summer Program. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
Born and raised in New York City, Weitzner began his career at Grey Advertising, eventually becoming VP and General Manager of the Entertainment Division, where he managed accounts for Warner Brothers and ABC Pictures.
In the late 1960s and early ’70s, Weitzner transitioned to ABC and Edgar Scherick’s Palomar Pictures International, overseeing marketing campaigns for films like They Shoot Horses, Don’t They, Sleuth, and The Heartbreak Kid.
In 1976, he relocated to Los Angeles to serve as VP of Worldwide Marketing at 20th Century Fox, contributing to the success of blockbusters such as Star Wars and Alien.
After three years, Weitzner moved to Universal Pictures as President of Worldwide Marketing, where he directed campaigns for E.T., Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and The Blues Brothers. He later worked with Embassy Pictures, managing marketing for This Is Spinal Tap and Eddie and the Cruisers.
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Weitzner returned to Fox briefly to oversee marketing for Romancing the Stone and Cocoon before joining Jerry Weintraub’s Weintraub Entertainment Group. He eventually returned to Universal as President of Worldwide Marketing for the MCA/Universal Studios Recreation Services Group, overseeing marketing for theme parks and the Universal CityWalk.
Teaching and Philanthropy
After his tenure at Universal, Weitzner dedicated decades to teaching the Business of Entertainment at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, where he also served as Director of the Summer Program. He was recognized for his philanthropic efforts, advocating for the Landmark School for the Learning Disabled and receiving accolades from the City of Los Angeles.
Weitzner is survived by his wife, Joan, and children, Jonathan Rosenthal, Dana Weitzner-Bergman, Jason Weitzner, along with grandchildren Sam, Tyler, and Chloe.
