At first, I was shocked by the news that Participant Media was dying. Such an appealing company. Smart. Mindful. Vibrant. Forward-thinking. The producer of intelligent films like Spotlight and Green Book, with a distinctly progressive message.
How could this be?
Then it finally hit me. Whatever else may have happened—announcing the shutdown, proprietor Jeff Skoll cited “revolutionary” changes in the entertainment business—Participant went under, I believe, because most of high-end Hollywood jumped into the company’s basically sound but modestly sized boat. The purpose-film niche was swamped.
It’s almost hard to remember that 20 years ago, when Participant was founded, the notion of a self-consciously message-oriented, activist film company was actually novel.
But, cinematically speaking, it was a much different world in 2004. The top movie that year was Shrek 2—not much message there. Culturally, the big story was a religious film, The Passion of the Christ. That hasn’t happened since.
How could this be?
Then it finally hit me. Whatever else may have happened—announcing the shutdown, proprietor Jeff Skoll cited “revolutionary” changes in the entertainment business—Participant went under, I believe, because most of high-end Hollywood jumped into the company’s basically sound but modestly sized boat. The purpose-film niche was swamped.
It’s almost hard to remember that 20 years ago, when Participant was founded, the notion of a self-consciously message-oriented, activist film company was actually novel.
But, cinematically speaking, it was a much different world in 2004. The top movie that year was Shrek 2—not much message there. Culturally, the big story was a religious film, The Passion of the Christ. That hasn’t happened since.
- 4/21/2024
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
At the Oscars in 2019, one production company was at the center of the year’s most talked about films and on the cusp of the industry’s sweeping trends. The man who backed it, however, wasn’t at the ceremony.
That year the films made by Participant Media collected 17 Oscar nominations, for Green Book, which eventually won best picture and went on to gross $321.8 million worldwide; Roma, which broke Netflix into the best picture race for the first time; and Rbg, the documentary about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg that managed to become one of the highest-grossing independent films of 2018.
In an indicator of Participant and its backer, tech billionaire Jeff Skoll’s unique, dual missions, the Oscar gatherings Participant threw that year included a viewing party for the National Domestic Workers Alliance at The Jane Club, a nod to the lead character in Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, and...
That year the films made by Participant Media collected 17 Oscar nominations, for Green Book, which eventually won best picture and went on to gross $321.8 million worldwide; Roma, which broke Netflix into the best picture race for the first time; and Rbg, the documentary about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg that managed to become one of the highest-grossing independent films of 2018.
In an indicator of Participant and its backer, tech billionaire Jeff Skoll’s unique, dual missions, the Oscar gatherings Participant threw that year included a viewing party for the National Domestic Workers Alliance at The Jane Club, a nod to the lead character in Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, and...
- 4/19/2024
- by Rebecca Keegan and Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The sudden end of Participant Media came as a shock to many in the entertainment industry, but it hit documentary filmmakers particularly hard, with some concerned that backers for serious-minded, issue-driven projects are becoming ever more scarce.
Since its founding in 2004, the company — which sought to bring stories that could spark change to a wide audience — has been a staunch supporter of documentaries focused on social and justice issues, funded by the largesse of a billionaire, ex-eBay president Jeff Skoll.
None of its other nonfiction titles quite achieved the heights of 2006’s An Inconvenient Truth, released just two years after the company was formed: The Davis Guggenheim-directed film about Al Gore’s climate change slideshow rocketed to become the third-highest-grossing doc ever at the time and focused mainstream attention on climate change, inspiring studies about its impact. “That’s why we exist,” Skoll told The Hollywood Reporter in 2006, as Truth became a sensation.
Since its founding in 2004, the company — which sought to bring stories that could spark change to a wide audience — has been a staunch supporter of documentaries focused on social and justice issues, funded by the largesse of a billionaire, ex-eBay president Jeff Skoll.
None of its other nonfiction titles quite achieved the heights of 2006’s An Inconvenient Truth, released just two years after the company was formed: The Davis Guggenheim-directed film about Al Gore’s climate change slideshow rocketed to become the third-highest-grossing doc ever at the time and focused mainstream attention on climate change, inspiring studies about its impact. “That’s why we exist,” Skoll told The Hollywood Reporter in 2006, as Truth became a sensation.
- 4/19/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
End of an era, end of a business model, end of a gravy train, end of the world. There were plenty of mixed emotions this week in response to the closure of Oscar-winning production company Participant, and at the very least the industry has agreed something has come to an end.
When Variety broke the news Tuesday that billionaire Jeff Skoll’s 20-year-old company will shut down — after fetching 21 Oscars and introducing a business model that prioritized social impact a bit more than profits – many in the industry were rattled. Not just that mid-level, standalone financier and producer had left the market, but what that means for the viability of movies and TV shows that ask vital questions about justice and the humanity’s future.
“The end of Participant Media is devastating news to anyone who cares about documentaries,” director Julie Cohen wrote bluntly on X. She’s the co-director...
When Variety broke the news Tuesday that billionaire Jeff Skoll’s 20-year-old company will shut down — after fetching 21 Oscars and introducing a business model that prioritized social impact a bit more than profits – many in the industry were rattled. Not just that mid-level, standalone financier and producer had left the market, but what that means for the viability of movies and TV shows that ask vital questions about justice and the humanity’s future.
“The end of Participant Media is devastating news to anyone who cares about documentaries,” director Julie Cohen wrote bluntly on X. She’s the co-director...
- 4/19/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
The shocking news that Participant, a leading producer of specialized/independent features with a socially relevant interest as well many top documentaries, is shutting down immediately hit the industry hard Tuesday. With a profile of co-produced films over the last 20 years that rivals any other company’s slate, this was devastating news.
Founder and owner Jeff Skoll’s decision to shut down his company will impact the production of a certain kind of specialized film, particularly in the documentary field. Never a distributor, and most often collaborating with other production companies, Participant was still a significant force for most of its two decades.
But what’s the real impact of this move? Jonathan Dana, a veteran distribution executive and producer, commented, “It didn’t fail. It just ran its course.” That typifies much of the insider reaction, which relates to the specific purpose and goals of the company.
‘Spotlight’ © Open...
Founder and owner Jeff Skoll’s decision to shut down his company will impact the production of a certain kind of specialized film, particularly in the documentary field. Never a distributor, and most often collaborating with other production companies, Participant was still a significant force for most of its two decades.
But what’s the real impact of this move? Jonathan Dana, a veteran distribution executive and producer, commented, “It didn’t fail. It just ran its course.” That typifies much of the insider reaction, which relates to the specific purpose and goals of the company.
‘Spotlight’ © Open...
- 4/18/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
After two decades, Participant Media (which has won 21 Oscars) has been forced to shutter as the ongoing turbulence in the film industry continues.
After 20 years in the business, 21 Oscars and 135 films, Participant Media is closing down. The production company behind Oscar-winning films such as Spotlight and Green Book (both of which it co-produced) has been forced to shutter, with the continually-shifting landscape of film production proving to be too uncertain for the studio.
Company founder Jeff Skoll revealed the news yesterday. Around 100 staff will lose their jobs. As well as the films mentioned above, Participant’s mission statement tp produce films with a ‘social conscience’ has seen it involved in the release of some terrific films over the last two decades, including Syriana, Judas And The Black Messiah, Dark Waters, A Most Violent Year, Lincoln, The Post and Contagion, to name just a handful.
The company’s commitment to grown-up...
After 20 years in the business, 21 Oscars and 135 films, Participant Media is closing down. The production company behind Oscar-winning films such as Spotlight and Green Book (both of which it co-produced) has been forced to shutter, with the continually-shifting landscape of film production proving to be too uncertain for the studio.
Company founder Jeff Skoll revealed the news yesterday. Around 100 staff will lose their jobs. As well as the films mentioned above, Participant’s mission statement tp produce films with a ‘social conscience’ has seen it involved in the release of some terrific films over the last two decades, including Syriana, Judas And The Black Messiah, Dark Waters, A Most Violent Year, Lincoln, The Post and Contagion, to name just a handful.
The company’s commitment to grown-up...
- 4/17/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Jeff Skoll, the billionaire philanthropist who launched Participant 20 years ago to champion socially conscious films, is closing down the impact producer-financier behind Spotlight, Roma, and Green Book.
In a memo to staff on Tuesday morning eBay co-founder Skoll said, ”I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability. Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created, distributed and consumed.”
The statement hinted at what may have driven the Canadian’s “very difficult decision”. Studios and streamers are scrutinising their spend more than ever,...
In a memo to staff on Tuesday morning eBay co-founder Skoll said, ”I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability. Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created, distributed and consumed.”
The statement hinted at what may have driven the Canadian’s “very difficult decision”. Studios and streamers are scrutinising their spend more than ever,...
- 4/16/2024
- ScreenDaily
After 20 years, Participant is shutting down.
Founder Jeff Skoll announced the news in a note to staff Tuesday, writing, “after much reflection, I have made the very difficult decision to wind down company operations.” During its run, the company was behind best picture winners Green Book and Moonlight, and docs such as An Inconvenient Truth and Rbg.
EBay co-founder Skoll founded the company in 2004 with a dual mission of making money and inspiring social change through entertainment (the company later moved into television and other ventures). It has helped produce and finance a slew of high-profile awards contenders. Its films won 21 Oscars and its series won 18 Emmys. It earned more than $3.3 billion at the box office. Veteran studio executive David Linde has been running Participant since 2016; previous execs involved in Participant include Ricky Strauss.
It was heavily involved in the nonfiction space, with its shuttering sure to send ripples through that community.
Founder Jeff Skoll announced the news in a note to staff Tuesday, writing, “after much reflection, I have made the very difficult decision to wind down company operations.” During its run, the company was behind best picture winners Green Book and Moonlight, and docs such as An Inconvenient Truth and Rbg.
EBay co-founder Skoll founded the company in 2004 with a dual mission of making money and inspiring social change through entertainment (the company later moved into television and other ventures). It has helped produce and finance a slew of high-profile awards contenders. Its films won 21 Oscars and its series won 18 Emmys. It earned more than $3.3 billion at the box office. Veteran studio executive David Linde has been running Participant since 2016; previous execs involved in Participant include Ricky Strauss.
It was heavily involved in the nonfiction space, with its shuttering sure to send ripples through that community.
- 4/16/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Participant, the media company behind films like “Spotlight,” “Green Book,” “Roma,” and many more, is shutting its doors after 20 years in operation.
Jeff Skoll, who founded the company in 2004, informed the staff in a memo (obtained by IndieWire) that Participant would “wind down company operations.”
Nearly all of Participant’s roughly 100 staffers are being let go with no new content or production in the works. Only Participant’s library of 135 films remaining.
“I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability,” Skoll wrote. “Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created, distributed and consumed.”
Participant’s 135 titles, half of them documentaries and also including five series, have earned $3.3 billion at the global box office. Participant has produced two Best Picture winners and earned 21 Oscars total from 86 nominations, as well as 18 Emmys on 62 nominations.
Jeff Skoll, who founded the company in 2004, informed the staff in a memo (obtained by IndieWire) that Participant would “wind down company operations.”
Nearly all of Participant’s roughly 100 staffers are being let go with no new content or production in the works. Only Participant’s library of 135 films remaining.
“I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability,” Skoll wrote. “Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created, distributed and consumed.”
Participant’s 135 titles, half of them documentaries and also including five series, have earned $3.3 billion at the global box office. Participant has produced two Best Picture winners and earned 21 Oscars total from 86 nominations, as well as 18 Emmys on 62 nominations.
- 4/16/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Participant, the 20-year-old film and television production company whose mission was to inspire social justice and humanitarian action, is shutting down.
Founder Jeff Skoll broke the news to a staff of roughly 100 on Tuesday. Established in 2004, Participant co-produced or co-financed a number of notable movies including best picture Oscar winners “Spotlight” and “Green Book,” as well as Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” and the breakthrough documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.”
Almost all of Participant’s employees will be dismissed, multiple sources familiar with its plans said, and no new content development or production will be pursued. What’s left will be a skeletal holding company overseeing the Participant library, which represents interests in the 135 films it has made.
“I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability. Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created,...
Founder Jeff Skoll broke the news to a staff of roughly 100 on Tuesday. Established in 2004, Participant co-produced or co-financed a number of notable movies including best picture Oscar winners “Spotlight” and “Green Book,” as well as Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” and the breakthrough documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.”
Almost all of Participant’s employees will be dismissed, multiple sources familiar with its plans said, and no new content development or production will be pursued. What’s left will be a skeletal holding company overseeing the Participant library, which represents interests in the 135 films it has made.
“I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability. Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
With just two episodes left of “Ahsoka” on Disney+, there are many plot threads that hopefully will be addressed.
With most of the major characters, including Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), either at or headed to (or trying to leave) the planet Peridea as of Episode 6, there will surely be some epic fights to come.
In Episode 6, viewers learned that Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) was thriving despite being exiled to the distant galaxy, to which his follower Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) was able to map a route.
Peridea also happens to be where purrgil, or star whales, migrate to using an organic form of hyperdrive. It is also the homeworld of the Nightsisters or Dathomiri, a faction of witches who use powerful magic and have aligned themselves with Thrawn.
Here’s where all the major characters stand leading into Episode 7. New episodes of “Star Wars: Ahsoka” stream Tuesdays at 6 pm E.
With most of the major characters, including Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), either at or headed to (or trying to leave) the planet Peridea as of Episode 6, there will surely be some epic fights to come.
In Episode 6, viewers learned that Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) was thriving despite being exiled to the distant galaxy, to which his follower Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) was able to map a route.
Peridea also happens to be where purrgil, or star whales, migrate to using an organic form of hyperdrive. It is also the homeworld of the Nightsisters or Dathomiri, a faction of witches who use powerful magic and have aligned themselves with Thrawn.
Here’s where all the major characters stand leading into Episode 7. New episodes of “Star Wars: Ahsoka” stream Tuesdays at 6 pm E.
- 9/26/2023
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
The trailer for Star Wars: Ahsoka has given fans plenty to talk about in the lead up to the show’s August premiere, and inspired all kinds of online theories. Unsurprisingly, much of the current speculation revolves around two brand-new villains, the orange lightsaber-wielding Baylan Skoll (the late Ray Stevenson) and his apprentice Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno).
So far, all we really know about these characters is some backstory and their names. But even these small details hint at a massive secret that could completely change live-action Star Wars and set the Mandoverse on a whole new course.
Thrawn’s Wolves
To say that Dave Filoni has a thing for wolves is an understatement. He’s worked these canines into all of his Star Wars tales, from The Clone Wars to Rebels, and even his own character in The Mandalorian, Trapper Wolf. But it’s in Rebels where he really...
So far, all we really know about these characters is some backstory and their names. But even these small details hint at a massive secret that could completely change live-action Star Wars and set the Mandoverse on a whole new course.
Thrawn’s Wolves
To say that Dave Filoni has a thing for wolves is an understatement. He’s worked these canines into all of his Star Wars tales, from The Clone Wars to Rebels, and even his own character in The Mandalorian, Trapper Wolf. But it’s in Rebels where he really...
- 6/23/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Following the death of celebrated actor Ray Stevenson age 58, Lucasfilm and “Ahsoka” executive producer David Filoni paid tribute to the longtime “Star Wars” vet who they remembered as “a kind and caring person,” and “a great talent and friend.”
Stevenson, who died Sunday in Italy of undisclosed causes, played the character Gar Saxon in the animated shows “Star Wars Rebels” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” He will next be seen in the live-action “Star Wars” series “Ahsoka,” where he plays the villain Baylan Skoll in one of his final roles.
“We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of our dear friend Ray Stevenson. Ray was an incredible combination of talent, warmth, humor, and heart,” Lucasfilm said in a statement. “We were lucky to have Ray join the Star Wars galaxy as Gar Saxon in Star Wars Rebels and then more recently as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka. His ability to play a villain,...
Stevenson, who died Sunday in Italy of undisclosed causes, played the character Gar Saxon in the animated shows “Star Wars Rebels” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” He will next be seen in the live-action “Star Wars” series “Ahsoka,” where he plays the villain Baylan Skoll in one of his final roles.
“We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of our dear friend Ray Stevenson. Ray was an incredible combination of talent, warmth, humor, and heart,” Lucasfilm said in a statement. “We were lucky to have Ray join the Star Wars galaxy as Gar Saxon in Star Wars Rebels and then more recently as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka. His ability to play a villain,...
- 5/23/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Few actors are as skilled in making us hate their guts as Ray Stevenson. The late actor, who passed away at age 58, played some truly despicable bad guys in "Dexter," "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," and of course, "Rrr," where he effortlessly captured everything wrong with the British Empire while also teaching audiences about the value of a bullet.
Stevenson found his way into the big two comic book franchises, playing both DC Comics' vigilante avenger Frank Castle in "Punisher War Zone," and Thor's faithful warrior friend Volstagg in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He also voiced Gar Saxon, one of the absolute worst Mandalorians ever, in both "Star Wars Rebels" and "The Clone Wars." Clan Saxon served House Vizsla, which caused endless pain and chaos to Mandalore during the war, and Stevenson's character was a commander in the Shadow Collective, a Sith order led by Darth Maul.
Gar Saxon was killed...
Stevenson found his way into the big two comic book franchises, playing both DC Comics' vigilante avenger Frank Castle in "Punisher War Zone," and Thor's faithful warrior friend Volstagg in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He also voiced Gar Saxon, one of the absolute worst Mandalorians ever, in both "Star Wars Rebels" and "The Clone Wars." Clan Saxon served House Vizsla, which caused endless pain and chaos to Mandalore during the war, and Stevenson's character was a commander in the Shadow Collective, a Sith order led by Darth Maul.
Gar Saxon was killed...
- 5/22/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Breaking… Matt Damon, David O Russell and Participant Media’s Jeff Skoll will be awarded career tribute honors at the 22nd Gotham Independent Film Awards. The trio will be feted on November 26 at Cipriani Wall Street along with the usual awards that focus on the year’s indie fare.
The honorees are in the middle of films that should factor in awards season. Damon stars in the Gus Van Sant-directed Focus Features drama Promised Land (he wrote the script with co-star John Krasinski), which was produced by Skoll’s Participant Media. Russell helmed Silver Linings Playbook, the Weinstein Company drama that stars Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro, and which premiered to raves at the Toronto Film Festival.
“Each has a unique voice and clearly defined vision of cinema for today’s generation, bringing perspective and relevance to the film world today,” said Joana Vicente, Executive Director of the IFP.
The honorees are in the middle of films that should factor in awards season. Damon stars in the Gus Van Sant-directed Focus Features drama Promised Land (he wrote the script with co-star John Krasinski), which was produced by Skoll’s Participant Media. Russell helmed Silver Linings Playbook, the Weinstein Company drama that stars Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro, and which premiered to raves at the Toronto Film Festival.
“Each has a unique voice and clearly defined vision of cinema for today’s generation, bringing perspective and relevance to the film world today,” said Joana Vicente, Executive Director of the IFP.
- 10/1/2012
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
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