The movie industry gave the late Erik Lomis — the bold and shrewd studio distribution chief who released hundreds of movies during his career — a fitting sendoff Wednesday night.
Lomis, who died suddenly in March at age 64, posthumously received the 2023 Will Rogers Pioneer of the Year Award during an emotional and touching ceremony at The Beverly Hilton on Oct. 4. And, in a surprise for those attending, Philadelphia Eagles’ radio announcer Merrill Reese narrated a tribute reel shown before team Eagles mascot Swoop presented the Pioneer Award to Lomis’ widow, Patricia Laucella (the Philly born and raised Lomis was a diehard Eagles fan).
Patricia Laucella
“Your instinct and inspiration never led you astray. I’m honored to have worked so closely with you,” said Creed series star and Creed III director Michael B. Jordan via video (the MGM threequel was the last film Lomis released in theaters before his death).
The long list of filmmakers,...
Lomis, who died suddenly in March at age 64, posthumously received the 2023 Will Rogers Pioneer of the Year Award during an emotional and touching ceremony at The Beverly Hilton on Oct. 4. And, in a surprise for those attending, Philadelphia Eagles’ radio announcer Merrill Reese narrated a tribute reel shown before team Eagles mascot Swoop presented the Pioneer Award to Lomis’ widow, Patricia Laucella (the Philly born and raised Lomis was a diehard Eagles fan).
Patricia Laucella
“Your instinct and inspiration never led you astray. I’m honored to have worked so closely with you,” said Creed series star and Creed III director Michael B. Jordan via video (the MGM threequel was the last film Lomis released in theaters before his death).
The long list of filmmakers,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Erik Lomis, MGM’s head of theatrical distribution, died Wednesday in Santa Monica, California. He was 64. No cause of death has been confirmed.
Over three decades, Lomis led distribution at MGM across two of its incarnations as well as at The Weinstein Company, Annapurna Pictures, and United Artists, where he spent years as the overseer of the James Bond franchise. Among the titles he handled across his career were “The Artist,” “The Iron Lady,” “The King’s Speech,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Django Unchained,” and “The Imitation Game” as well as “Inherent Vice” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.”
Before he moved into distribution, Lomis was head film buyer at Philadephia’s Sameric Theaters, a circuit of more than 100 theaters in the northeast. He later became head film buyer at United Artists Theaters, which acquired the Sameric chain.
Lomis was a second-generation distributor: His dad, Irving Lomis, was also a film buyer...
Over three decades, Lomis led distribution at MGM across two of its incarnations as well as at The Weinstein Company, Annapurna Pictures, and United Artists, where he spent years as the overseer of the James Bond franchise. Among the titles he handled across his career were “The Artist,” “The Iron Lady,” “The King’s Speech,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Django Unchained,” and “The Imitation Game” as well as “Inherent Vice” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.”
Before he moved into distribution, Lomis was head film buyer at Philadephia’s Sameric Theaters, a circuit of more than 100 theaters in the northeast. He later became head film buyer at United Artists Theaters, which acquired the Sameric chain.
Lomis was a second-generation distributor: His dad, Irving Lomis, was also a film buyer...
- 3/23/2023
- by Wilson Chapman and Dana Harris-Bridson
- Indiewire
Erik Lomis, a longtime film distribution executive who worked at MGM, United Artists Releasing and the Weinstein Company, died Wednesday at his home in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 64.
His cause of death is unknown.
During his three-decade career in Hollywood, Lomis handled the theatrical release of Oscar winners and big-budget blockbusters, and developed long-standing relationships with filmmakers including Bond stalwarts Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, Sylvester Stallone, Irwin Winkler and Ryan Coogler.
In his latest position, Lomis served as MGM’s head of theatrical distribution amid the studio’s acquisition by Amazon. He most recently oversaw the release strategy for “Creed III,” which opened to a franchise-record $51 million, and he was preparing to debut Ben Affleck’s sports drama “Air,” which is playing in theaters prior to landing on Amazon Prime.
Lomis previously served as president of distribution of United Artists Releasing, where...
His cause of death is unknown.
During his three-decade career in Hollywood, Lomis handled the theatrical release of Oscar winners and big-budget blockbusters, and developed long-standing relationships with filmmakers including Bond stalwarts Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, Sylvester Stallone, Irwin Winkler and Ryan Coogler.
In his latest position, Lomis served as MGM’s head of theatrical distribution amid the studio’s acquisition by Amazon. He most recently oversaw the release strategy for “Creed III,” which opened to a franchise-record $51 million, and he was preparing to debut Ben Affleck’s sports drama “Air,” which is playing in theaters prior to landing on Amazon Prime.
Lomis previously served as president of distribution of United Artists Releasing, where...
- 3/22/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Erik Lomis, the admired distribution executive who handled numerous blockbusters and Oscar winners during his three-decade career in Hollywood, died suddenly Wednesday at his home in Santa Monica. He was 64.
As MGM’s head of distribution, Lomis was in the midst of helping parent company Amazon Studios prepare for the release of Ben Affleck’s Air, which opens in theaters April 5. Amazon recently signed Lomis — a champion of the big-screen experience — to a new deal after officially acquiring the storied film studio.
“Erik was truly one of a kind and an icon in our industry. His passion was undeniable, and he has meant so much to so many over the years,” Amazon’s Mike Hopkins, Jennifer Salke and Chris Brearton said in a note to staff. “We are all better for having known him.”
Lomis watched over the box office like a hawk and was renowned for his detailed notes...
As MGM’s head of distribution, Lomis was in the midst of helping parent company Amazon Studios prepare for the release of Ben Affleck’s Air, which opens in theaters April 5. Amazon recently signed Lomis — a champion of the big-screen experience — to a new deal after officially acquiring the storied film studio.
“Erik was truly one of a kind and an icon in our industry. His passion was undeniable, and he has meant so much to so many over the years,” Amazon’s Mike Hopkins, Jennifer Salke and Chris Brearton said in a note to staff. “We are all better for having known him.”
Lomis watched over the box office like a hawk and was renowned for his detailed notes...
- 3/22/2023
- by Mike Barnes and Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Veteran executive’s career saw posts at United Artists Releasing, Annapurna Pictures, TWC.
Erik Lomis, the veteran Hollywood distribution executive who oversaw distribution at MGM, has died unexpectedly. He was 64.
Lomis died in Santa Monica on Tuesday (March 22). His family had not set any funeral and/or or memorial plans at time of writing but are expected to do so in the coming days. No cause was given for the death.
Born in Philadelphia on November 21, 1958, Lomis worked as a theatre usher after school during his teenage years. The job fuelled a lifelong passion and he went on to become...
Erik Lomis, the veteran Hollywood distribution executive who oversaw distribution at MGM, has died unexpectedly. He was 64.
Lomis died in Santa Monica on Tuesday (March 22). His family had not set any funeral and/or or memorial plans at time of writing but are expected to do so in the coming days. No cause was given for the death.
Born in Philadelphia on November 21, 1958, Lomis worked as a theatre usher after school during his teenage years. The job fuelled a lifelong passion and he went on to become...
- 3/22/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
During The Hollywood Reporter‘s Power Business Managers event on Tuesday, top industry dealmakers discussed the state of talent negotiations in the age of the pandemic box office and day-and-date streaming releases. The virtual event coincided with the publication of THR’s 2021 Power Business Managers list.
Ziffren Brittenham co-founder Ken Ziffren, WME chief operating officer Dan Limerick and Lionsgate president of business and legal affairs Patricia Laucella offered their insights in a conversation with THR senior business editor Ashley Cullins. They all noted that transparency is what is most necessary for negotiations within the current Hollywood ecosystem.
“What I have noticed ...
Ziffren Brittenham co-founder Ken Ziffren, WME chief operating officer Dan Limerick and Lionsgate president of business and legal affairs Patricia Laucella offered their insights in a conversation with THR senior business editor Ashley Cullins. They all noted that transparency is what is most necessary for negotiations within the current Hollywood ecosystem.
“What I have noticed ...
- 11/9/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
During The Hollywood Reporter‘s Power Business Managers event on Tuesday, top industry dealmakers discussed the state of talent negotiations in the age of the pandemic box office and day-and-date streaming releases. The virtual event coincided with the publication of THR’s 2021 Power Business Managers list.
Ziffren Brittenham co-founder Ken Ziffren, WME chief operating officer Dan Limerick and Lionsgate president of business and legal affairs Patricia Laucella offered their insights in a conversation with THR senior business editor Ashley Cullins. They all noted that transparency is what is most necessary for negotiations within the current Hollywood ecosystem.
“What I have noticed ...
Ziffren Brittenham co-founder Ken Ziffren, WME chief operating officer Dan Limerick and Lionsgate president of business and legal affairs Patricia Laucella offered their insights in a conversation with THR senior business editor Ashley Cullins. They all noted that transparency is what is most necessary for negotiations within the current Hollywood ecosystem.
“What I have noticed ...
- 11/9/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Hunger Games series filmmaker Francis Lawrence is returning to helm the Lionsgate prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes based on Suzanne Collins’ new Scholastic novel which will be available for sale on May 19 in the Us, Canada, the UK and Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Lawrence directed the last three Hunger Games movies: Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1, and Mockingjay Part 2. No word yet on casting, but this is a big project to prep up once production can safely resume post the Covid-19 pandemic.
Also returning are franchise producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson. Collins will write the film’s treatment and Michael Arndt, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Little Miss Sunshine will adapt the screenplay, after previously serving as one of the writers of Catching Fire. Collins also will serve as an Ep.
More from Deadline'John Wick: Chapter 3' A Hail Of Bullets & Bucks At No. 15 On Deadline's 2019 Most Valuable...
Also returning are franchise producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson. Collins will write the film’s treatment and Michael Arndt, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Little Miss Sunshine will adapt the screenplay, after previously serving as one of the writers of Catching Fire. Collins also will serve as an Ep.
More from Deadline'John Wick: Chapter 3' A Hail Of Bullets & Bucks At No. 15 On Deadline's 2019 Most Valuable...
- 4/21/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The movie adaptation of the upcoming “The Hunger Games” prequel book “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” from author Suzanne Collins is a go at Lionsgate, and the creative team from the original films, including director Francis Lawrence, is all returning for the new film, Lionsgate motion picture group chairman Joe Drake announced Tuesday.
Lawrence, who directed “Catching Fire” and both “Mockingjay” films, will direct “The Hunger Games” prequel. Collins will write a treatment based on her upcoming novel, Color Force’s Nina Jacobson is returning to the franchise to produce, and Michael Arndt, who wrote “Catching Fire,” will pen the screenplay.
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” takes place 64 years before the original trilogy, during the 10th annual Hunger Games, and will focus on Coriolanus Snow (played by Donald Sutherland in the original franchise) at age 18, years before he would become the tyrannical president of Panem.
Young Coriolanus is handsome and charming,...
Lawrence, who directed “Catching Fire” and both “Mockingjay” films, will direct “The Hunger Games” prequel. Collins will write a treatment based on her upcoming novel, Color Force’s Nina Jacobson is returning to the franchise to produce, and Michael Arndt, who wrote “Catching Fire,” will pen the screenplay.
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” takes place 64 years before the original trilogy, during the 10th annual Hunger Games, and will focus on Coriolanus Snow (played by Donald Sutherland in the original franchise) at age 18, years before he would become the tyrannical president of Panem.
Young Coriolanus is handsome and charming,...
- 4/21/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Global content leader Lionsgate today kicked off its CinemaCon presentation to exhibitors by announcing a joint venture with Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, partner James Weaver and their Point Grey Pictures (Pgp) to produce multi-platform content.
Pgp is the successful multi-genre film and television production company behind hit films such as Blockers, Neighbors,Sausage Party, The Night Before, This is the End, the television shows “Future Man,” “Black Monday,” and “Preacher,” as well as Lionsgate’s highly-anticipated Rogen and Charlize Theron romantic comedy event of the summer Long Shot, which won the Audience Award in the Headliners section of SXSW and will be released in the Us and select markets on May 3 before expanding worldwide.
Pgp will continue to operate autonomously under Rogen, Goldberg and Weaver’s leadership while working closely with Lionsgate’s executive teams to develop content for the Company’s motion picture, scripted and unscripted television, digital and location-based entertainment businesses.
Pgp is the successful multi-genre film and television production company behind hit films such as Blockers, Neighbors,Sausage Party, The Night Before, This is the End, the television shows “Future Man,” “Black Monday,” and “Preacher,” as well as Lionsgate’s highly-anticipated Rogen and Charlize Theron romantic comedy event of the summer Long Shot, which won the Audience Award in the Headliners section of SXSW and will be released in the Us and select markets on May 3 before expanding worldwide.
Pgp will continue to operate autonomously under Rogen, Goldberg and Weaver’s leadership while working closely with Lionsgate’s executive teams to develop content for the Company’s motion picture, scripted and unscripted television, digital and location-based entertainment businesses.
- 4/5/2019
- by Andrew Wendowski
- Age of the Nerd
Seth Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures has a signed a multi-platform production deal with Lionsgate, the company announced on Thursday at its CinemaCon presentation.
Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and partner James Weaver are behind the firm, which has produced titles like “Blockers,” “Neighbors,” and the raunchy animated hit “Sausage Party.” The new deal will serve as an incubator for content like motion pictures, TV packages, and potential programming for Lionsgate’s cable channel Starz.
Rogen and partners will retain autonomy over Point Grey. Their first collaboration will be “Long Shot,” the romantic comedy starring Rogen and Charlize Theron, which hits May 3.
“Lionsgate is a leader in entertainment with few equals,” said Rogen, Goldberg, and Weaver. “Over the years we have developed some of our biggest hits with Joe Drake and Nathan Kahane — they have been among our biggest supporters. We are thrilled to be partnering with them, alongside Kevin Beggs in TV,...
Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and partner James Weaver are behind the firm, which has produced titles like “Blockers,” “Neighbors,” and the raunchy animated hit “Sausage Party.” The new deal will serve as an incubator for content like motion pictures, TV packages, and potential programming for Lionsgate’s cable channel Starz.
Rogen and partners will retain autonomy over Point Grey. Their first collaboration will be “Long Shot,” the romantic comedy starring Rogen and Charlize Theron, which hits May 3.
“Lionsgate is a leader in entertainment with few equals,” said Rogen, Goldberg, and Weaver. “Over the years we have developed some of our biggest hits with Joe Drake and Nathan Kahane — they have been among our biggest supporters. We are thrilled to be partnering with them, alongside Kevin Beggs in TV,...
- 4/4/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
‘Long Shot’ to launch in Us on May 3.
Lionsgate used its platform at CinemaCon on Thursday (April 4) to offer the crowd a flavour of what to expect from Rian Johnson’s upcoming murder mystery Knives Out starring Daniel Craig at the head of an all-star cast.
Footage revealed Craig to be one of two sleuths alongside Lakeith Stanfield who arrive at a mansion to investigate the apparent murder of the patriarch (Christopher Plummer) of a hateful family.
The clip contained many familiar tropes from the genre and boasted much dark comedy as Chris Evans spits bile at his relatives, telling...
Lionsgate used its platform at CinemaCon on Thursday (April 4) to offer the crowd a flavour of what to expect from Rian Johnson’s upcoming murder mystery Knives Out starring Daniel Craig at the head of an all-star cast.
Footage revealed Craig to be one of two sleuths alongside Lakeith Stanfield who arrive at a mansion to investigate the apparent murder of the patriarch (Christopher Plummer) of a hateful family.
The clip contained many familiar tropes from the genre and boasted much dark comedy as Chris Evans spits bile at his relatives, telling...
- 4/4/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
‘Long Shot’ to launch in Us on May 3.
Lionsgate kicked off its CinemaCon presentation by announcing a joint venture with Point Grey Pictures’ Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and James Weaver to produce multi-platform content.
Point Grey Pictures produced SXSW audience award winner Long Shot, the comedy starring Rogen and Charlize Theron that Lionsgate screened to show attendees on Thursday afternoon (4), and the company’s credits include Sausage Party, Neighbors, and Blockers, as well as TV shows Future Man, Black Monday, and Preacher. Long Shot opens in the Us on May 3.
The company will continue to operate autonomously under Rogen, Goldberg and Weaver,...
Lionsgate kicked off its CinemaCon presentation by announcing a joint venture with Point Grey Pictures’ Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and James Weaver to produce multi-platform content.
Point Grey Pictures produced SXSW audience award winner Long Shot, the comedy starring Rogen and Charlize Theron that Lionsgate screened to show attendees on Thursday afternoon (4), and the company’s credits include Sausage Party, Neighbors, and Blockers, as well as TV shows Future Man, Black Monday, and Preacher. Long Shot opens in the Us on May 3.
The company will continue to operate autonomously under Rogen, Goldberg and Weaver,...
- 4/4/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s Point Grey Pictures (PG), along with partner James Weaver, have partnered with Lionsgate to produce multi-platform content, the studio announced during its CinemaCon presentation to exhibitors Thursday.
Pgp will continue to operate autonomously under Rogen, Goldberg and Weaver’s leadership, but will work closely with Lionsgate’s executive teams to develop content for its movie, scripted and unscripted TV, digital and location-based entertainment businesses.
Pgp is also behind the Rogen and Charlize Theron rom-com “Long Shot,” arriving from Lionsgate this summer. The film won the Audience Award from the Headliners section of SXSW and opens on May 3.
Also Read: Why Lionsgate Needs 'Hellboy,' 'John Wick 3' and a Charlize Theron-Seth Rogen Rom-Com to Work
“Lionsgate is a leader in entertainment with few equals,” Rogen, Goldberg and Weaver said in a statement. “Over the years we have developed some of our biggest hits...
Pgp will continue to operate autonomously under Rogen, Goldberg and Weaver’s leadership, but will work closely with Lionsgate’s executive teams to develop content for its movie, scripted and unscripted TV, digital and location-based entertainment businesses.
Pgp is also behind the Rogen and Charlize Theron rom-com “Long Shot,” arriving from Lionsgate this summer. The film won the Audience Award from the Headliners section of SXSW and opens on May 3.
Also Read: Why Lionsgate Needs 'Hellboy,' 'John Wick 3' and a Charlize Theron-Seth Rogen Rom-Com to Work
“Lionsgate is a leader in entertainment with few equals,” Rogen, Goldberg and Weaver said in a statement. “Over the years we have developed some of our biggest hits...
- 4/4/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Today at CinemaCon, Lionsgate announced a joint venture with Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, partner James Weaver and their Point Grey Pictures (Pgp) to produce multi-platform content.
The two companies recently worked together on the Charlize Theron-Rogen pic Long Shot which opens on May 3.
The Point Grey/Lionsgate partnership allows Rogen, Goldberg and Weaver to develop new programming for every platform in Lionsgate’s 360 entertainment ecosystem, including Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, Lionsgate Television, and Starz. Point Grey Pictures will continue to operate autonomously under Rogen, Goldberg and Weaver’s leadership while working closely with Lionsgate’s executive teams to develop content for the Company’s motion picture, scripted and unscripted television, digital and location-based entertainment businesses.
“Lionsgate is a leader in entertainment with few equals,” said Rogen, Goldberg and Weaver. “Over the years we have developed some of our biggest hits with Joe Drake and Nathan Kahane— they have been among our biggest supporters.
The two companies recently worked together on the Charlize Theron-Rogen pic Long Shot which opens on May 3.
The Point Grey/Lionsgate partnership allows Rogen, Goldberg and Weaver to develop new programming for every platform in Lionsgate’s 360 entertainment ecosystem, including Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, Lionsgate Television, and Starz. Point Grey Pictures will continue to operate autonomously under Rogen, Goldberg and Weaver’s leadership while working closely with Lionsgate’s executive teams to develop content for the Company’s motion picture, scripted and unscripted television, digital and location-based entertainment businesses.
“Lionsgate is a leader in entertainment with few equals,” said Rogen, Goldberg and Weaver. “Over the years we have developed some of our biggest hits with Joe Drake and Nathan Kahane— they have been among our biggest supporters.
- 4/4/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
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