Kevin Wilson has officially been named the Head of Theatrical Distribution for Amazon Studios and MGM as the parent company combines both labels into one theatrical distribution group.
The news comes in the wake of the passing of Amazon-MGM previous theatrical distribution boss, Erik Lomis, who was given a heartfelt remembrance today at CinemaCon by several including Chris Aronson, former MGM Motion Picture Bosses-now Warner Bros, Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, as well as Warner Bros Domestic Distribution Chief Jeff Goldstein.
Recently, Amazon’s pivot back to theatrical saw the $272M global success of Creed III and the current $69M global gross for Ben Affleck’s dramedy, Air, about how Nike nabbed Michael Jordan to make the Air Jordan sneaker. Wilson is a longtime lieutenant of Lomis, and is a distribution vet whose handled 100 films which grossed over $7 billion stateside.
He worked at Summit Entertainment and Open Road Films distribution, handling such pics as Best Picture winners Spotlight and The Hurt Locker; as well as MGM’s Best Picture nominees Licorice Pizza and Women Talking; in addition to overseeing the distribution of hugely successful franchises such as Twilight and No Time To Die.
East Coast distribution vet Mark Boxer, who came to Amazon distribution during the Bob Berney era, is now named Head of Specialty Theatrical Distribution and will report into Wilson’s group. Boxer has overseen such Amazon Original Movies releases as Sound of Metal, Hotel Transylvania 4, Being the Ricardos, and the day and date release of Coming to America. Prior to Amazon, Boxer was EVP, Sales and Distribution at IFC Films, overseeing the release of award-winning pics such as Boyhood. At Amazon, Boxer will oversee specialty films releases; the studio’s Culver Theater space; and Prime Premiere releases. Boxer is also a former distribution vet of Sony and Savoy Pictures.
Here’s the latest note on Wilson’s promotion from Amazon Studios Head of Film, Theatrical & Streaming, Courtenay Valenti:
We are at a very dynamic and exciting time now that the integration of the MGM film group and Amazon Studios is complete. Six weeks ago, we combined the AOM and MGM creative development and production teams under Julie Rapaport. Julie’s team is now executing our larger film strategy across both distribution platforms. As a result, now is the right time to combine both theatrical distribution groups (MGM and AOM) into one unified team.
Erik Lomis’s passing was a tremendously sad moment and profound loss for all who knew and worked with him. But we are very fortunate that Kevin Wilson, Erik’s partner and colleague of many years, will be Head of Theatrical Distribution. Kevin will oversee and execute our domestic theatrical distribution strategy reporting to me and working closely with Sue Kroll, Head of Marketing, Amazon & MGM Studios, and her team members Stephen Bruno and Gerry Rich on the release of all our Amazon & MGM Studios films.
A seasoned executive, Kevin has many years of experience in theatrical film distribution and has released over 100 films across all genres and release patterns delivering close to $7 billion in box office throughout the U.S. Additionally, Kevin has been a key distribution executive at several startup companies including Summit Entertainment and Open Road Films. Kevin has extensive relationships with both exhibition partners and industry peers, and has released acclaimed Best Picture winners Spotlight and The Hurt Locker; notable Best Picture nominees including Licorice Pizza and Women Talking; in addition to overseeing the distribution of hugely successful franchises including Twilight, No Time To Die, Creed III and, most recently, Air.
Mark Boxer, along with his team, will now report into Kevin’s group as Head of Specialty Theatrical Distribution. For the last six years, Mark has overseen the release of Amazon Original Movies including Sound of Metal, Hotel Transylvania 4, Being the Ricardos, and the day and date release of Coming to America. Before coming to Amazon Studios, Mark was the EVP, Sales and Distribution at IFC Films, overseeing the release of award-winning films such as Boyhood. In his current role, Mark will oversee select specialty films releases; our Culver Theater space; and Prime Premiere releases.
We are fortunate to have two such talented distribution executives as we continue to grow and invest in our film business. Please join me in congratulating Kevin, Mark and their combined team. And please feel free to share this email with any partner teams.