The studio has also announced a series of promotions as the division ramps up film production amid the pandemic.
Lionsgate has bolstered its Motion Picture Group with a host of production team hires and promotions.
Renewing his contract as EVP is James Myers, who’ll take on an expanded strategic management role within the department alongside his growing slate of movies.
Returning to Lionsgate as EVP of Production is Brady Fujikawa, who recently served as BRON Studios head of development. During his previous time at Lionsgate, Fujikawa was also behind some of the studio’s upcoming titles including The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent; London, based on a Jo Nesbø story.
James Myers has renewed his contract with Lionsgate as executive vice president after recent projects that include the Borderlands adaptation and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Elsewhere, Meredith Wieck has been promoted to senior VP after overseeing the development and production of the Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret adaptation and the Erwin brothers’ The Unbreakable Boy, starring Zachary Levi.
Aaron Edmonds has been promoted to VP. Edmonds was key executive championing The 1619 Project, a portfolio of film, TV and multi-media programming to be produced by Lionsgate, The New York Times and Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Films.
Chelsea Kujawa has been promoted to VP. During her time at the studio, she has overseen American Underdog, next year’s John Wick 4, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and About My Father. She was previously an executive at Paramount.
Jorge Alfaro joins Lionsgate as Director of Development, coming from El Estudio, a pan-regional production company operating out of Los Angeles, Mexico City, Buenos Aires and Madrid, where he was director, Creative Affairs, overseeing their entire feature film pipeline. He previously served as a development and production manager at Eugenio Derbez’s 3Pas Studios. His current projects include 48 Hours in Vegas, West Pointer from writer-director Rod Lurie with KJ Apa attached to star, and Shadow Force.
Erin Westerman, Lionsgate President of Production, said: “We have an exceptionally talented and versatile development and production team. They have ramped up 16 films since the pandemic began. As we expand our department we are promoting from within, while also hiring some familiar faces and recognising the outstanding contributions and dedication of our incredible team. It is always a special thrill to reward the hard work of those who have earned their promotions. James, Meredith Aaron and Chelsea have been superstars throughout their careers and it’s exciting to be reuniting with Brady and to be welcoming Jorge to our team.”
