Tony Award-winning producer John Gore has founded a new film and television production studio. John Gore Studios, Ltd. will be headquartered in London and maintain offices in New York City. Hilary Strong will serve as CEO of John Gore Studios, while Gore will hold the title of executive chairman. Gore is the chairman and CEO of the John Gore Organization, the parent company of Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box and Broadway Brands (to which Broadway News belongs).
The new John Gore Studios will be dedicated to the preservation of the legacy of the British film and television industry along with presenting new and innovative works. John Gore Studios will grow a catalog of strategically acquired intellectual properties, in addition to the restoration of heritage film libraries. These efforts are well under way, as John Gore Studios has already acquired several film studios, including the 90-year-old production company Hammer Films, Silver Salt Restoration and KFilm Ltd, the latter of which encompasses Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment and Icon Film Distribution.
The genesis for the studio came from British-born Gore’s desire to expand his oeuvre of theater on both sides of the pond to the British film and television industry. “I am thrilled to be announcing the launch of John Gore Studios,” Gore said in a statement. “Having had the joy of working in theater for many years, I am delighted to be leaning into my other great passion, film and TV.”
As a Broadway producer, Gore has amassed 22 Tony Awards, most recently for John Gore Organization’s role on the producing teams of the 2024 Best Musical and Play Tony Award winners, “The Outsiders” and “Stereophonic.” Gore was listed in Variety500 as one of the 500 most influential business leaders shaping the global media industry today.
Strong most recently served as founder and CEO, U.K. and Europe for International Literary Properties (ILP), where she acquired a slew of literary titles and IPs for film and television projects. Strong did similar work during her previous tenure as CEO of Agatha Christie Ltd.
“It is an absolute privilege to welcome Hilary Strong to helm the studio, as CEO,” Gore said. “With her unrivaled track record working with the best of British IP, at Agatha Christie, during her time at ILP and at Hat Trick and her experience and connectivity in the industry, she brings the perfect blend of commercial and creative expertise for championing storytelling on a global stage. We share a commitment to authenticity and meaningful IP, and I’m incredibly excited about the future we’ll shape together.”
“I am delighted to be joining forces with John Gore, an inspirational, award-winning visionary and unparalleled creative leader,” added Strong. “Together with our uniquely talented team, we are forging a new and dynamic entertainment studio which combines our shared passion for preserving the rich legacy of our media heritage, whilst working with best of breed talent to create new and exciting productions. The prospect of undertaking smart strategic acquisitions and new partnerships designed to unlock world class creative possibilities is truly exhilarating.”
Additional personnel for John Gore Studios will include chief acquisitions officer Jonathan Lack, head of creative development Jamie Anderson and head of brand and communications Ellen Ray.
John Gore Studios has revealed the production of two upcoming feature films. “The Bitter End,” written by Louise Fennell, will feature direction by BAFTA winner Mike Newell. Golden Globe winner and Emmy nominee Joan Collins will star as real-life Wallis Simpson in the biopic about the final years of American divorcee who became the Duchess of Windsor, causing King Edward VIII to abdicate the British “The Bitter End” is being produced by Gore, Richard Holms and Franics Hopkinson and executive produced by Strong and Michael Foster.
The second film, “Ithaqua,” will fall under the banner of the aforementioned Hammer Films. Directed and produced by Casey Walker, the Canada-set film chronicles British survivors of a remote trade outpost as they battle an ancient evil force in the 1800s. Written by Walker in collaboration with Peter Vicaire and Pascal Trottier, the film will star Luke Hemsworth, Kevin Durand, Michael Pitt, Craig Lauzon and Leenah Robinson.
