Susan Senk, an experienced entertainment public relations professional and marketing leader who was involved in over 400 film promotions, passed away on April 5 in Manhattan.
She had survived for 17½ years after receiving a heart transplant.
Senk began her career in the music sector prior to transitioning into film public relations, earning recognition in both local and global arenas.
As part of the initial founding group at Vestron Video, she subsequently moved to London to serve as Vice President of Creative Services for Vestron International. In this role, she was instrumental in expanding the company’s presence abroad and led the international marketing efforts for their video products.
Senk went back to the U.S., taking up the position of Vice President of Publicity and Promotion at Vestron Pictures. In this role, she was responsible for crafting release strategies and award pushes for various theatrical releases under the company’s banner, such as the immensely successful \”Dirty Dancing\” from 1987, which became the top-earning independent movie of that era with earnings reaching $213 million globally.
She proceeded to work as the Vice President of International Publicity and Promotion at Columbia TriStar Film Distributors International (Sony) in Los Angeles before founding Susan Senk PR in New York City. Most recently, she served as an international festival consultant for Sony Pictures International Releasing.
A long-standing member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Senk was previously affiliated with the Recording Academy as well.
She is survived by her business partner and sibling, Linda Senk Altman, along with her brother-in-law, Scott Altman.
Contributions can be submitted to the
Camp Sloane YMCA
Susan Senk Memorial Fund.