Mike Baard

Managing Director, Universal Pictures International Australasia                  ‘Discover what has changed in International Distribution & Sales’ panel guest

Mike Baard is the Managing Director of Universal Pictures International Australasia with oversight of the Australian and New Zealand markets. Mike joined Universal in 2006 with the responsibility to set-up the new business operations for Universal Pictures in Australia following the disbanding of UIP, the distribution partnership Universal owned with Paramount Pictures. Universal Pictures Australasia commenced trading in July 2007 and has successfully released more than 250 films under Mike’s leadership, generating more than $2.5 Billion in box office. Mike has also led Universal’s local production activities and signed first look deals with leading production companies Hopscotch (The Water Diviner, Saving Mr. Banks) and Screen Corporation (Hacksaw Ridge). Mike was responsible for bringing the highly successful Australian films The Water Diviner and The Dressmaker to UPI. In 2018, Universal took over representation for the distribution of films from Entertainment One in Australia and New Zealand. In the period since, Mike has overseen the distribution of films such as the award winning 1917 and Australian releases Top End Wedding, Palm Beach and Babyteeth.