Susan Senk, who spent decades in film publicity and marketing across domestic and international divisions, died on April 5 in New York City. She was 75.
Senk worked on more than 400 film campaigns throughout her career. She started in the music industry before transitioning to film, joining Vestron Video during its early years. She later moved to London, where she became Vice President of Creative Services for Vestron International. Her responsibilities included overseeing the company’s international marketing as it expanded its presence in global markets.
Returning to the United States, she served as Vice President of Publicity and Promotion at Vestron Pictures. There, she led publicity efforts for theatrical releases, including Dirty Dancing in 1987. The film brought in $213 million worldwide and became the highest-grossing independent film at the time of its release.
Senk moved on to Columbia TriStar Film Distributors International, part of Sony Pictures, where she worked as Vice President of International Publicity and Promotion. Based in Los Angeles during that time, she managed campaigns for films released across overseas territories.
Following her work at Sony, Senk launched her own agency, Susan Senk PR, located in New York. She advised on publicity campaigns and continued to work closely with film distributors. Beginning in 2015, she was a consultant for Sony Pictures International Releasing, focusing on strategy tied to film festivals and cross-market outreach.
Senk held membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and was formerly a member of the Recording Academy. She worked across studio-backed and independent projects, including award campaigns and international rollouts.
She lived for 17 and a half years following a heart transplant, which her family noted in confirming her passing. Senk is survived by her sister and business partner, Linda Denk; her brother-in-law, Scott Altman; and her dog, OP.
Her family identified the Camp Sloane YMCA Susan Senk Memorial Fund for those seeking to contribute in her name.
