Former Protagonist Pictures executive Luann Gower has joined Blackbear International as SVP of international production and acquisitions.
In her new role, Gower will oversee production and provide creative leadership on upcoming Blackbear International productions. Titles in his pipeline include Ed Berger’s “Conclave” and “Knicks Goes Away,” directed by Michael Keaton. She will also source and package UK and European production and acquisition opportunities to feed the company’s international sales business and UK distribution group.
Gower will report to Blackbear International President John Friedberg and the company’s EVP International and UK Managing Director Llewellyn Ridley.
Gower previously served as head of acquisitions at London-based Protagonist Pictures where she was responsible for building the company’s sales slate, including “The Outer” with Cyrus Ronan and Temple Hill’s “Clown in a Cornfield.” ” to earn such a title, which began at the AFM in 2022. .
She previously held senior roles at Focus Features and Universal Pictures International, where Gower starred in films including “Promising Young Woman,” “The Lighthouse” and “Pen and Glory.”
“Luann is an executive with impeccable taste, keen business sense and an outstanding reputation in the industry,” Friedberg and Radley said in a statement. “We are very excited to have her join the team and she will be instrumental in driving the growth of our UK and European focused production and acquisitions business.”
Gower said: “I am a huge fan of Black Bear and am excited about the opportunity to join this dynamic international team as they expand and diversify.”
Gauer joins Blackbear International ahead of a busy European film market in Berlin for the company, where he will launch a number of new projects. Since debuting last year, BBI has launched a number of films, including “Dumb Money” and Guy Ritchie’s World War II epic, “Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.”
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