Bold Films
Bold Films is an American independent multimedia production and finance company specializing in film and television content. Founded in 2004 by Belgian businessman Michel Litvak and producer Gary Michael Walters, the company is headquartered at 6464 Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California.[1][2] In 2006, David Lancaster joined Bold Films as co-president, contributing to its expansion into developing and financing original projects with worldwide commercial potential. The company has established itself as an artistic haven for creative talent, emphasizing bold narratives across genres such as thriller, drama, and horror.[3][2] Bold Films' notable productions include the critically acclaimed Drive (2011), directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and starring Ryan Gosling; Nightcrawler (2014), a thriller featuring Jake Gyllenhaal; and Whiplash (2014), which earned three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for J.K. Simmons. Other significant films encompass The Neon Demon (2016), No Escape (2015), and the Netflix remake The Guilty (2021), starring Jake Gyllenhaal and directed by Antoine Fuqua.[4][3][5] The company has also ventured into television and stage productions, such as the HBO miniseries Oslo (2017). In 2023, Jeff Kleeman was appointed CEO. Despite challenges like staff reductions in 2017, Bold Films remains active in the independent film sector, prioritizing high-impact storytelling.[1][4][6]History
Founding and Early Development
Bold Films was established in 2004 by Michel Litvak and Gary Michael Walters as an independent film finance and production company based in Los Angeles.[1] The founders aimed to create an artistic haven for emerging filmmakers, financing and producing original, talent-driven projects with commercial potential and artistic merit, beginning with low-to-mid-budget independent films.[2] This approach allowed the company to operate without reliance on major studio support, emphasizing creative freedom for new voices in a competitive industry.[7] The company's early output focused on diverse indie dramas and comedies, marking its entry into the production landscape. Its first feature, Slingshot (2005), directed by Jay Alaimo, was a crime thriller about two con artists targeting affluent suburban women, produced on an estimated budget of $1.5 million and premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival before a limited release.[8][9] In 2006, Bold Films released three films: Come Early Morning, Joey Lauren Adams's directorial debut, a character-driven drama about a troubled construction worker in rural Arkansas, budgeted at $6 million and debuting at the Sundance Film Festival;[10][11] Mini's First Time, a satirical black comedy directed by Nick Guthe following a scheming teenager's entanglement in family scandal, also with a $6 million budget and premiering at Tribeca before a limited theatrical run;[12][13] and Bobby, Emilio Estevez's ensemble drama chronicling intersecting lives on the eve of Robert F. Kennedy's 1968 assassination, produced for $14 million and opening at the Venice Film Festival ahead of a U.S. release.[14][15] Operating as a privately held entity without major studio partnerships posed challenges, including securing distribution and navigating limited resources in an era dominated by blockbuster financing.[1] In December 2017, following several box office disappointments, Bold Films laid off approximately 50% of its staff. Nevertheless, Bold Films prioritized emerging directors like Adams and Guthe, fostering talent development through these initial projects that showcased intimate storytelling over high-concept spectacles.[2] This foundation in indie cinema laid the groundwork for the company's evolution toward larger-scale productions.Key Milestones and Expansion
In 2009, Bold Films marked its first significant milestone with the production of The Hole, a 3D horror film directed by Joe Dante, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and won the inaugural Best 3D Film award.[16] This achievement highlighted the company's early capability in supporting innovative independent projects that pushed technical boundaries in cinema.[17] A major breakthrough arrived in 2011 when Bold Films co-produced Drive, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and starring Ryan Gosling, which premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival and secured Refn the Best Director award.[18][19] The film's stylish neo-noir aesthetic and global box office success of over $76 million underscored Bold Films' growing influence in elevating auteur-driven narratives to international prominence.[20] By 2014, Bold Films demonstrated its maturing production slate with the near-simultaneous theatrical releases of Whiplash on October 10 and Nightcrawler on October 31, both of which garnered critical attention and commercial viability, cementing the company's status as a leading prestige independent producer.[21] These projects exemplified Bold Films' strategy of championing intense, character-focused stories that resonated with audiences and festivals alike.[22] In 2015, Bold Films pursued international expansion by establishing its first European office in London, aimed at fostering co-productions and strategic partnerships with UK and continental talent and distributors.[23] This move supported ventures like the 2018 biographical drama Colette, a UK-US co-production starring Keira Knightley, which explored the life of French author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette. The company's momentum continued into 2021 with high-profile streaming projects, including The Guilty, a tense thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, which Bold Films co-produced for Netflix and reached 69 million households worldwide in its first 28 days.[24] That same year, Bold Films entered television prestige with Oslo, a historical drama for HBO depicting the 1993 Israel-PLO peace accords, which earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Television Movie.[25] Throughout this period from 2009 to 2021, Bold Films transitioned from a finance-focused entity to a comprehensive operation encompassing script development, full production oversight, and international sales and distribution, enabling it to handle end-to-end project lifecycles for both film and television.[26][27] This evolution allowed the company to scale its output, financing and producing four to six films annually while expanding into TV, supported by banking partnerships like a $50 million credit facility from Comerica Bank in 2017.[28]Recent Leadership Changes
In April 2023, Bold Films appointed Jeff Kleeman as its new CEO, succeeding Gary Michael Walters who had led the company for nearly two decades.[29] Kleeman, a seasoned producer, screenwriter, and former studio executive with experience at Paramount Pictures and MGM/UA, brings extensive expertise in both feature films and television production to the role.[30] He reports directly to Chairman David Litvak, whose ongoing involvement focuses on guiding the company's financial strategy and overall direction.[29] Supporting the leadership transition, key personnel in development and production include Erich Ebner, serving as Director of Productions, Licensing, and Operations, who manages relationships with directors, writers, and production partners.[29] Sophia Kalin holds the position of Creative Executive (and Vice President of Development), contributing to project scouting and creative oversight.[26] These appointments underscore a commitment to maintaining operational continuity while fostering internal expertise. Under Kleeman's leadership, Bold Films has emphasized expansion into multimedia formats, including films, television series, and stage adaptations, with a focus on leveraging existing intellectual property for global markets through strategic international partnerships.[31] As of November 2025, the company has not announced major new projects, reflecting a deliberate approach to development amid industry shifts.[32] Bold Films remains a privately held entity, headquartered in Los Angeles with its London office—established in 2015—continuing to support European operations.[23]Organization and Operations
Leadership and Key Personnel
Bold Films' executive team is led by CEO Jeff Kleeman, who assumed the role in April 2023 following the departure of longtime CEO Gary Michael Walters. Kleeman, a Yale University graduate with a BA in English, previously served as president of A Very Good Production, Ellen DeGeneres' banner, where he executive produced hit series including Little Big Shots, Ellen's Game of Games, and Splitting Up Together. His earlier career included curating exhibits at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and managing the story department at New Line Cinema, providing him with deep expertise in narrative development and production oversight. In his current position, Kleeman reports to Chairman David Litvak and directs the company's development, financing, and expansion strategies across film and television.[31][29][30][33] David Litvak serves as Chairman, guiding Bold Films' strategic and financial direction with a focus on international sales, budgeting, and distribution. As Principal, Litvak handles legal and finance matters alongside production responsibilities, leveraging his involvement in high-profile projects such as The Guilty, Oslo, and Vox Lux to support the company's global operations. His leadership ensures alignment between creative goals and commercial viability.[29][34][35] Erich Ebner holds the position of Director (and VP) of Production, Licensing, and Operations, overseeing the logistical and operational facets of Bold Films' slate. Ebner, a DePaul University alumnus, has managed production on notable titles including The Guilty and Stronger, ensuring efficient execution from pre-production through licensing and delivery. His role emphasizes streamlining workflows to support the company's independent model.[34][36][37] Sophia Kalin acts as Vice President of Development (and Creative Executive), spearheading script acquisition, talent relations, and project nurturing. With prior experience as a TV and motion picture literary assistant at Paradigm Talent Agency, Kalin contributes to early-stage cultivation of content like The Guilty and Luz: The Flower of Evil. Her efforts focus on identifying commercially viable stories and emerging voices.[38][34][39] The company's foundational vision stems from co-founders Michel Litvak and Gary Michael Walters, who established Bold Films in 2004 as an independent entity dedicated to financing and producing original content. Though no longer involved in day-to-day activities—Walters departed in 2023 to launch his own venture—their legacy persists in the firm's commitment to artistic and commercial innovation.[1][40][41]Business Model and Locations
Bold Films operates as an independent multimedia company specializing in the financing, development, production, and worldwide sales of mid-budget films, typically in the $5-20 million range. This integrated model allows the company to control key aspects of the filmmaking process while targeting commercially viable projects that appeal to global audiences.[42][43] The company's primary revenue streams include equity investments from financial institutions, pre-sales of distribution rights at major markets such as Cannes, and strategic co-productions with streaming platforms and networks like Netflix and HBO. These approaches enable Bold Films to diversify funding sources and mitigate financial exposure by securing upfront commitments for international territories. To manage risk, Bold Films prioritizes director-driven initiatives that combine creative autonomy with strong commercial potential, avoiding dependence on high-risk blockbuster formats.[43][44][45][2] Bold Films maintains its primary headquarters at 6464 Sunset Blvd, Suite 910, in Los Angeles, California, serving as the hub for its core operations. In 2015, the company expanded internationally by opening a London office to enhance access to European talent, funding, and co-production opportunities. Since its establishment in 2004 with a U.S.-focused emphasis on film finance, Bold Films has evolved into a global multimedia operation by the 2020s, incorporating television series and broader international partnerships; chairman David Litvak plays a key role in guiding these financial strategies.[2][23][2][29]Productions
Feature Films
Bold Films has produced and financed over 20 feature films since its inception in 2005, focusing primarily on independent and genre-driven projects across drama, thriller, and action genres.[4][46] The following table provides a chronological overview of their feature film output up to 2024, including year of release, title, director, genre, and key notes on Bold Films' involvement, budget, and distributor where applicable. No new feature films have been confirmed from Bold Films since The Brutalist in 2024 as of November 2025.[4][5][9]| Year | Title | Director | Genre | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Slingshot | Jay Alaimo | Crime/Drama | Produced; independent crime story about con artists; limited release.[9] |
| 2006 | Come Early Morning | Joey Lauren Adams | Drama | Produced; low-budget Southern drama; distributed by Newmarket Films. |
| 2006 | Mini's First Time | Nick Guthe | Comedy/Drama | Produced; satirical coming-of-age story; limited theatrical release. |
| 2006 | Bobby | Emilio Estevez | Drama | Produced and financed; ensemble political drama set during RFK assassination; distributed by Magnolia Pictures. |
| 2008 | Starship Troopers 3: Marauder | Ed Neumeier | Sci-Fi/Action | Produced; direct-to-video sequel in the franchise; budget approximately $9 million. |
| 2008 | Middle of Nowhere | John Stockwell | Drama | Produced; surfing drama; limited release. |
| 2009 | The Hole | Joe Dante | Horror/Thriller | Produced and released; family horror film; distributed by Warner Bros. |
| 2010 | Legion | Scott Stewart | Action/Horror | Co-financed and released with Screen Gems; apocalyptic thriller; budget $26 million, grossed $40 million worldwide. |
| 2011 | Drive | Nicolas Winding Refn | Action/Thriller | Co-produced and co-financed with OddLot; neo-noir thriller; budget $15 million, distributed by FilmDistrict. |
| 2013 | Heatstroke | Evelyn Purcell | Thriller | Produced; survival thriller starring Stephen Dorff; limited release. |
| 2013 | Evidence | Olatunde Osunsanmi | Horror/Thriller | Produced; found-footage horror; distributed by Lionsgate. |
| 2013 | Only God Forgives | Nicolas Winding Refn | Crime/Thriller | Produced; neo-noir action film; budget $30 million, distributed by Radius-TWC. |
| 2014 | Whiplash | Damien Chazelle | Drama | Produced and financed with Blumhouse; music drama; budget $3.3 million, distributed by Sony Pictures Classics. |
| 2014 | Nightcrawler | Dan Gilroy | Thriller | Produced and financed; satirical thriller; budget $8.5 million, distributed by Open Road Films.[47] |
| 2015 | Lost River | Ryan Gosling | Fantasy/Drama | Produced; debut directorial feature; limited release by A24. |
| 2015 | No Escape | John Erick Dowdle | Action/Thriller | Produced; survival thriller; budget $5 million, distributed by The Weinstein Company. |
| 2016 | Shot Caller | Ric Roman Waugh | Crime/Drama | Produced; prison drama; budget $18 million, distributed by Lionsgate. |
| 2016 | The Neon Demon | Nicolas Winding Refn | Horror/Thriller | Produced; psychological horror; budget $7.5 million, distributed by Amazon Studios. |
| 2017 | Stronger | David Gordon Green | Drama/Biography | Produced; based on Boston Marathon bombing survivor; budget $30 million, distributed by Roadside Attractions. |
| 2018 | Colette | Wash Westmoreland | Biography/Drama | Produced (Bold's first UK production); period drama; distributed by Bleecker Street. |
| 2018 | Vox Lux | Brady Corbet | Drama/Music | Produced; starring Natalie Portman; budget $11 million, distributed by NEON. |
| 2019 | Above Suspicion | Phillip Noyce | Thriller | Produced; crime thriller based on true events; distributed by Lionsgate. |
| 2021 | The Guilty | Antoine Fuqua | Thriller | Produced and financed; remake of Danish film, starring Jake Gyllenhaal; Netflix release. |
| 2024 | The Brutalist | Brady Corbet | Drama | Produced and financed; epic period drama starring Adrien Brody; distributed by A24.[48] |