During the 1970s, United Artists had undergone numerous realignments as its parent company, Transamerica Corporation, and the investors in UA's business partner MGM frequently changed strategies.

In early 1978, five long-time executives had left United Artists, and announced, with Warner Communications, a new joint venture (soon to be named Orion Pictures) vested with broad autonomy and control over financing, production and distribution.

[6][7] This opened up positions in a realigned classics unit, with Barker first serving as assistant regional sales manager, then taking a national role in 1982.

[12]: 67–69  In 1989, with Orion Pictures in the midst of a long period of financial turmoil, Donna Gigliotti left and Marcie Bloom assumed a v.p.

Barker described SPC's early publicity efforts, partially through cable TV,[24][25] Following these two films which were nominated for Best Picture Oscars, Barker and Bernard have released seven other Best-Picture-nominated films at Sony Pictures Classics: Capote, An Education, Midnight in Paris, Amour, Whiplash, Call Me by Your Name and The Father.

"[5] Barker, Bernard and Bloom were honored for their roles in championing independent films and filmmakers in 2000 by the Gotham Industry Lifetime Achievement Award[28][29] and in 2002 by the Directors Guild of America.

[27] Also in 2014, Barker was named as a Knight (Chevalier) of France's Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur, as was Bernard, for dedication to presenting French cinema to American audiences.