FilmNation Entertainment has hired Andy Kim, a top executive at Participant Media, to serve as its chief operating officer.
In his new post, Kim will oversee all day-to-day operations, strategic planning, business development, and finance at the independent entertainment company. He joins as FilmNation is enjoying a wave of critical and commercial successes, including backing Sean Baker’s 2024 Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winner “Anora” and Edward Berger’s BAFTA Best Film winner “Conclave.” Both movies are competing for the Oscar for best picture.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the FilmNation Entertainment team and to lead operations while helping to tell powerful stories that connect with audiences worldwide,” said Kim in a statement. “FilmNation’s dynamic, ever-evolving nature is what attracted me, and I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with talented creatives across so many entertainment mediums.”
Milan Popelka, who had previously served as FilmNation’s COO, recently left the company to become a partner in Margot Robbie‘s LuckyChap, the production company behind “Barbie” and “Saltburn.”
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Prior to FilmNation, Kim served as chief financial officer at Participant Media, overseeing financial and operational activities. He joined Participant from The Weinstein Company, where as CFO he led financial operations and identified strategic growth, capital raising and business opportunities in both film and television. Kim is a member of the AMPAS Executive Branch, an advisor to Asian Pacific community non-profit Goldhouse, a member of the Audit Committee for the Board of Film Independent, and is an Adjunct Faculty Member at the Stern School of Business at New York University. He is a graduate of Georgetown University and holds an MBA from Stern School of Business, New York University.
“Andy’s vast, well-rounded experience and hands-on approach will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate,” said Glen Basner, CEO of FilmNation Entertainment, in a statement. “His proven track record and respect in the industry will help us elevate our business and enhance our creative vision.”
FilmNation produces, finances and distributes films, television series, podcasts, and theater. It has backed hits like “The Big Sick” and “Arrival,” HBO’s “I Know This Much is True,” and the Tony-winning “Stereophonic.” FilmNation is also the home of Infrared, a new film production label focused on films with franchise potential. Infrared’s first production, “Novocaine” starring Jack Quaid, opens in March.