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Josef ErmolievProducer
Date of Birth: 24.03.1889
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Ivan Ermolieff: A Trailblazing Russian Film Entrepreneur
- Founding His Own Film Company
- Exile in France
- Career in Germany
- Return to France and Hollywood
- Final Years
Ivan Ermolieff: A Trailblazing Russian Film Entrepreneur
Early Career in MoscowIvan Ermolieff began his career in the film industry in 1907 as a junior technician at the Moscow branch of "Pathé Frères." Within a year, he had risen to head of sales, and by 1911, he was the general representative for Pathé in Russia.
Founding His Own Film Company
In 1912, Ermolieff co-founded the distribution firm "Ermoliev, Zarkhin and Seigel" in Rostov-on-Don. In 1915, he established his own film studio, "I. Ermoliev" in Moscow, which produced over 120 films. In 1918, he opened a branch of his company in Yalta.
Exile in France
Following the nationalization of the film industry in Russia in 1920, Ermolieff and his team fled to France. In August 1920, they settled in Montreuil, a suburb of Paris, and acquired the former Pathé studios. Ermolieff founded the joint-stock company "La Société Ermolieff-Cinéma" with a capital of one million francs, retaining 70% of the shares. Between 1920 and 1922, the studio produced 40 films.
Career in Germany
In 1922, Ermolieff relocated to Germany and founded the production and distribution company "Ermoliev-Film GmbH" in Munich. He established the studio "Albatros" with his associates Alexander Kamenka and Noy Bloch, which played a significant role in the development of French cinema.
Return to France and Hollywood
Political and economic developments in Germany led Ermolieff to return to France in 1929. He served as executive producer on six films between 1929 and 1936, with only "Michel Strogoff" (1936) achieving major success. In 1936, he was awarded the Legion of Honour for his contributions to the French film industry.
Final Years
In 1937, Ermolieff left France for Hollywood, where he worked on two films for United Artists as a production director. His involvement in the 1943 Mexican remake of "Michel Strogoff" marked his final cinematic project. Ivan Ermolieff passed away on February 20, 1962, at the age of 72, from a brain hemorrhage.
