Selome Hailu Paradigm Talent Agency announced that Babacar Diene has been hired as a content agent. Additionally, Sam Benfey, Josh Cohen, Natalie Handelsman and Wilson Rubinoff have been promoted to agent.Diene is a longtime film financing, sales and production executive joining Paradigm from his previous position as vice president of acquisitions and development at Voltage Pictures.
During his tenure at Voltage, which began in 2012, he served as an executive producer on films such as “Time Is Up,” “Archenemy,” “Safer at Home,” “Redemption Day,” “Follow Me” and “Drive Hard.” He co-produced movies including “Ava,” “Good Kids,” “Fathers & Daughters,” “Pay the Ghost” and “I.T.” He also previously served as vice president of acquisitions at IM Global’s Apsara Distribution, and worked for Icon Entertainment International and GreeneStreet Films International.
Diene is based in Los Angeles. Benfey enters his new position as digital and brand partnerships agent after first joining Paradigm in 2016.
He began in the mailroom and has since worked across departments, including business development, digital and brand partnerships.
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