Davis Entertainment Explained

Davis Entertainment
Type:Film and television production company
Industry:Entertainment
Predecessors:-->
Successors:-->
Founder:John Davis
Hq Location Country:United States
Areas Served:-->
Products:Motion pictures and television programs
Owners:-->

Davis Entertainment (also known as Davis Entertainment Company) is an American independent film and television production company, founded by John Davis in 1984.

Davis's three divisions–feature film, independent film, and television–develop and produce film and television projects for the major studios, independent distributors, networks and cable broadcasters. The company itself has enjoyed a long-standing first-look production deal at 20th Century Studios, although it also produces projects for all studios and mini-majors.

History

The company was founded in 1984 by filmmaker John Davis and it was incorporated in Nevada on December 2, 1985. The company was officially established on May 21, 1986, in order to produce mid-to-high budget action films that were financed entirely by a studio, starting with Predator, a co-production with Lawrence Gordon Productions and Silver Pictures, and a series of other films that were planned for release by 20th Century Fox. It was decided that it would be done independently with co-investors, and it would help anticipate the expansion of telefilms and sitcoms.[1]

On February 18, 1987, Davis Entertainment partnered with Mark L. Lester of his Mark Lester Films company in order to handle the development of action-adventure films which were produced by the company, directed by Mark L. Lester, and it was independently financed by the two companies. The films that were made by the Lester/Davis alliance had ranked in the $5–10 million range, and would expect the co-venture to handle the production of two films before the yearend.[2]

In 1994, it launched its first foray into interactive games, and launched Catapult Entertainment, Inc. to produce its interactive video games.[3] That same year, Davis Entertainment Company signed a production deal with 20th Century Fox to develop feature films.[4] [5]

In 1995, Davis Entertainment launched its art-house division Davis Entertainment Classics,[6] which was subsequently renamed Davis Entertainment Filmworks in 2002.[7] In 1998, Davis Entertainment struck a deal with 20th Century Fox Television to produce television shows for its networks, both broadcast and cable.[8]

In 2007, Michael Dorman joined its television division. At the same time, they signed a development pact with Fox Television Studios to produce series for television.[9]

In 2011, John Fox, a former employee of 20th Century Fox, joined the company. In 2013, it signed a deal with Sony Pictures Television to develop television shows for platforms, broadcast, cable and streaming.[10]

Filmography

Theatrical films

1980s

YearTitleDirectorDistributorNotes
1987Predator[11] John McTiernan20th Century Foxco-production with Lawrence Gordon Productions and Silver Pictures
Three O'Clock HighPhil JoanouUniversal Picturesuncredited; co-production with Aaron Spelling Productions
1988License to DriveGreg Beeman20th Century Foxco-production with Licht/Mueller Productions
1989Little MonstersRichard Alan GreenbergMGM/UA Distribution Co.co-production with Licht/Mueller Productions, Vestron Pictures and United Artists

1990s

YearTitleDirectorDistributorNotes
1990The Last of the FinestJohn MackenzieOrion Pictures
Predator 2Stephen Hopkins20th Century Foxco-production with Gordon Company and Silver Pictures
1991ShatteredWolfgang PetersenMGM/UA Distribution Co.co-production with Capella International, Palace Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
1992FortressStuart GordonDimension Films
Columbia Pictures
StoryvilleMark Frost20th Century Fox
1993The FirmSydney PollackParamount Pictures
The Thing Called LovePeter Bogdanovich
Grumpy Old MenDonald PetrieWarner Bros.
1994GunmenDeran SarafianDimension Films
LIVE Entertainment
Richie RichDonald PetrieWarner Bros.co-production with The Harvey Entertainment Company and Silver Pictures
1995The HuntedJ.F. LawtonUniversal Picturesco-production with Bregman/Baer Productions, Inc.
WaterworldKevin Reynoldsco-production with Gordon Company and Licht/Mueller Film Corporation
Grumpier Old MenHoward DeutchWarner Bros.
The Grass HarpCharles MatthauFine Line Featuresco-production with Alliance Communications
1996Denise Calls UpHal SalwenSony Pictures Classicsco-production with Skyline Entertainment Partners, Dark Matters Productions, J. Thomas Harris Productions and Alliance Communications
The ChamberJames FoleyUniversal Picturesco-production with Imagine Entertainment
DaylightRob Cohenco-production with Joseph M. Singer Entertainment
Courage Under FireEdward Zwick20th Century Foxco-production with Fox 2000 Pictures, Joseph M. Singer Entertainment and Friendly Films
1997Out to SeaMartha Coolidgeco-production with Friendly Films
1998Dr. DolittleBetty Thomasco-production with Joseph M. Singer Entertainment and Friendly Films
1999Dudley-Do-RightHugh WilsonUniversal Picturesco-production with Jay Ward Productions and Joseph M. Singer Entertainment

2000s

YearTitleDirectorDistributorNotes
2001HeartbreakersDavid MirkinMGM Distribution Co.co-production with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Winchester Films
Dr. Dolittle 2Steve Carr20th Century Fox
Behind Enemy LinesJohn Moore
2002Life or Something Like ItStephen Herekco-production with Aei Entertainment, Regency Enterprises and New Regency
2003Daddy Day CareSteve CarrSony Pictures Releasingco-production with Columbia Pictures and Revolution Studios
PaycheckJohn WooParamount Picturesco-production with DreamWorks Pictures and Lion Rock Productions
2004GarfieldPeter Hewitt20th Century Foxco-production with Paws, Inc.
I, RobotAlex Proyasco-production with Mediastream IV, Laurence Mark Productions and Overbrook Films
Alien vs. PredatorPaul W.S. Andersonco-production with Brandywine Productions, Impact Pictures and Stillking Films
First DaughterForest Whitakerco-production with Regency Enterprises and New Regency
Fat AlbertJoel Zwick
Flight of the PhoenixJohn Moore
2006When a Stranger CallsSimon WestSony Pictures Releasingco-production with Screen Gems
Garfield: A Tale of Two KittiesTim Hill20th Century Foxco-production with Paws, Inc.
EragonStefen Fangmeier
2007NorbitBrian RobbinsParamount Picturesco-production with DreamWorks Pictures and Tollin/Robbins Productions
Daddy Day CampFred SavageSony Pictures Releasingco-production with TriStar Pictures and Revolution Studios
The Heartbreak KidFarrelly brothersParamount Picturesco-production with DreamWorks Pictures, Radar Pictures and Conundrum Entertainment
Strause brothers20th Century Foxco-production with Brandywine Productions and Dune Entertainment
2008Gary FlederUniversal Picturesco-production with Relativity Media

2010s

YearTitleDirectorDistributorNotes
2010MarmadukeTom Dey20th Century Foxco-production with Dune Entertainment and Regency Enterprises
PredatorsNimród Antalco-production with Dune Entertainment and Troublemaker Studios
Gulliver's TravelsRob Lettermanco-production with Dune Entertainment
2011Mr. Popper's PenguinsMark Waters
A Little Bit of HeavenNicole KassellMillennium Entertainmentco-production with The Film Department
2012ChronicleJosh Trank20th Century Foxco-production with Dune Entertainment
2014Devil's DueMatt Bettinelli-Olpin
Tyler Gillett
co-production with Radio Silence Productions and TSG Entertainment
2015The Man from U.N.C.L.E.Guy RitchieWarner Bros. Picturesco-production with RatPac-Dune Entertainment, Ritchie/Wigram Productions and Turner Entertainment Co.
Victor FrankensteinPaul McGuigan20th Century Foxco-production with TSG Entertainment
JoyDavid O. Russellco-production with Annapurna Pictures, TSG Entertainment and Fox 2000 Pictures
2017FerdinandCarlos Saldanhaco-production with Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox Animation
2018Game NightJohn Francis Daley
Jonathan Goldstein
Warner Bros. Picturesco-production with New Line Cinema, Access Entertainment and Aggregate Films
The PredatorShane Black20th Century Foxco-production with TSG Entertainment
2019ShaftTim StoryWarner Bros. Picturesco-production with Netflix and New Line Cinema
Dolemite Is My NameCraig BrewerNetflix

2020s

YearTitleDirectorDistributorNotes
2021Jungle CruiseJaume Collet-SerraWalt Disney Studios Motion Picturesco-production with Walt Disney Pictures, Seven Bucks Productions and Flynn Picture Company
2022Prey[12] Dan TrachtenbergHuluco-production with 20th Century Studios and Lawrence Gordon Productions
2024Harold and the Purple Crayon[13] Carlos SaldanhaSony Pictures Releasing

Upcoming

YearTitleDirectorDistributorNotesStatus
2024Uglies[14] McGNetflixco-production with Anonymous Content, Industry Entertainment, YRF Entertainment and Wonderland Sound and VisionPost-production[15]
Flight Risk[16] Mel GibsonLionsgateco-production with Icon Productions and Hammerstone StudiosPost-production[17]
TBAThe Pickup[18] Tim StoryAmazon MGM Studiosco-production with The Story Company and Eddie Murphy ProductionsFilming
All of Me[19] TBAUniversal PicturesIn development
It Takes a Thief[20]
Summertime[21] Sony Pictures Releasingco-production with Screen Gems and Westbrook Studios
Untitled George Clinton biopic[22] Amazon MGM Studios
Untitled Jungle Cruise sequel[23] [24] Walt Disney Studios Motion Picturesco-production with Walt Disney Pictures, Seven Bucks Productions and Flynn Picture Company
Vertigo[25] Paramount Picturesco-production with Team Downey

Direct-to-video films

2000s

YearTitleDirectorDistributorNotes
2000The SettlementMark SteilenMTI Home Videoco-production with CineTel Films, Dosgmile Pictures and JeanRoy Entertainment
Labor PainsTracy AlexsonUSA Home Entertainmentuncredited; co-production with Dogsmile Pictures and Prosperity Pictures
2006Dr. Dolittle 3Rich Thorne20th Century Home Entertainment
2007Garfield Gets RealMark A.Z. Dippéco-production with The Animation Picture Company and Paws, Inc.
2008Craig Shapiro
Garfield's Fun FestMark A.Z. Dippéco-production with The Animation Picture Company and Paws, Inc.
2009Alex Zamm
Garfield's Pet ForceMark A.Z. Dippé
Kyung Ho-Lee
co-production with The Animation Picture Company and Paws, Inc.

Television movies

1990s

YearTitleDirectorNetworkNotes
1990Curiosity KillsColin BuckseyUSA Networkco-production with MTE
Dangerous PassionMichael MillerABCco-production with Stormy Weather Productions and Carolco Pictures
SilhouetteCarl SchenkelUSA Networkco-production with Faye Dunaway Productions and MTE
1992Wild CardMel Damskico-production with MTE
1993The Last OutlawGeoff MurphyHBOco-production with HBO Pictures
VoyageJohn MackenzieUSA Networkco-production with ITC Entertainment, Quinta Communications and USA Pictures
1994This Can't Be LoveAnthony HarveyCBSco-production with World International Network and Pacific Motion Pictures
One ChristmasTony BillNBCco-production with Karpf Productions
Tears and Laughter: The Joan and Melissa Rivers StoryOz Scott
New EdenAlan MetzgerSci-Fi Channelco-production with MTE
1997AsteroidBradford MayNBCco-production with NBC Studios
[26] Graeme CampbellABCco-production with Pacific Motion Pictures and World International Network
1998Miracle at MidnightKen Cameronco-production with Walt Disney Television
1999The Jesse Ventura StoryDavid JacksonNBCco-production with NBC Studios

2000s

YearTitleDirectorNetworkNotes
2000Little RichardRobert TownsendNBCco-production with Fox Television Studios
2001Sunk on Christmas EveBill JardineNational Geographic Channel
2005Nadine in Date LandAmie SteirOxygenco-production with Departure Studios
Life Is RuffCharles HaidDisney Channelco-production with Salty Pictures
2007Jump In!Paul Hoenco-production with Hop, Skip and Jump Productions

2010s

YearTitleDirectorNetworkNotes
2011Locke & KeyMark RomanekFoxtelevision pilot; co-production with 20th Century Fox Television, DreamWorks Television and K/O Paper Products
2017Behind Enemy Lines[27] McGtelevision pilot; co-production with 20th Century Fox Television and Temple Hill Entertainment

2020s

Television series

2010s

YearTitleCreatorsNetworkNotes
2013–2023The BlacklistJon BokenkampNBCco-production with Open 4 Business Productions, Universal Television and Sony Pictures Television
2013Ironsidebased on the 1967 series by:
Collier Young
developed by:
Michael Caleo
co-production with Post 109, Yellow Brick Road Productions and Universal Television
2015The PlayerJohn Rogers
John Fox
co-production with Kung Fu Monkey Productions, Universal Television and Sony Pictures Television
2015–2017Dr. KenJared Stern
Ken Jeong
John Fox
ABCco-production with Old Charlie Productions, ABC Studios and Sony Pictures Television
2016–2018TimelessEric Kripke
Shawn Ryan
NBCco-production with Kripke Enterprises, MiddKid Productions, Universal Television and Sony Pictures Television
2017Jon Bokenkamp
John Eisendrath
Lukas Reiter
J. R. Orci
co-production with John Eisendrath Productions, Flatwater Scribe, Open 4 Business Productions, Universal Television and Sony Pictures Television
2018Alex, Inc.Matt Tarses
based on StartUp podcast by:
Gimlet Media, Inc.
ABCco-production with Two Soups Productions, ABC Studios and Sony Pictures Television
2018–2024Magnum, P.I.based on the 1980 TV series by:
Donald P. Bellisario
Glen A. Larson
developed by:
Peter M. Lenkov
Eric Guggenheim
CBS/NBCco-production with 101st Street Entertainment, Perfect Storm Entertainment, Universal Television and CBS Studios

2020s

YearTitleCreatorsNetworkNotes
2021–presentThe Equalizerbased on the 1985 TV series by:
Michael Sloan
Richard Lindheim
developed by:
Queen Latifah
Richard Lindheim
CBSco-production with Flavor Unit Entertainment, Martin Chase Productions, Milmar Pictures (seasons 1—2), Wilson Avenue (season 3), Shattered Glass (season 3), Universal Television and CBS Studios
2021RebelKrista VernoffABCco-production with ABC Signature, Sony Pictures Television and Trip The Light Productions
2022BlockbusterVanessa RamosNetflixco-production with Universal Television, Foe Paws and Shark vs. Bear Productions

Highest-grossing films

Highest-grossing films
RankTitle Year Domestic gross Notes
1I, Robot2004$144,801,023co-produced by Overbrook Entertainment
2Dr. Dolittle1998$144,156,605co-produced by Friendly Films
3Jungle Cruise2021$116,987,516co-produced by Walt Disney Pictures, Flynn Picture Company and Seven Bucks Productions
4Dr. Dolittle 22001$112,952,899
5Daddy Day Care2003$104,297,061co-produced by Revolution Studios
6Norbit2007$95,673,607co-produced by DreamWorks Pictures and Tollin/Robbins Productions
7Waterworld1995$88,246,220co-produced by Gordon Company and Licht/Mueller Film Corporation
8Ferdinand2017$84,410,380co-produced by Blue Sky Studios
9Alien vs. Predator2004$80,282,231co-produced by Brandywine Productions
102004$75,369,589co-produced by Paws, Inc.

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: 1986-05-21. John Davis Forms Prod. Outfit For Mid-To-Hi Budget Actioneers. 17. Variety.
  2. News: 1987-02-18. Davis, Lester Pair For Action Films. 31. Variety.
  3. Web site: Company Town : In the Name of the Son : John Davis Is Working to Make His Own Mark. 1994-06-07. Los Angeles Times. en-US. 2020-05-04.
  4. Web site: Davis reups deal at Fox. McNary. Dave. 2005-09-23. Variety. en. 2020-05-04.
  5. Web site: Fox ankles Fox for Davis Entertainment. Abrams. Rachel. 2011-04-12. Variety. en. 2020-05-04.
  6. Web site: Davis cranks up Classics arm. 1995-05-22. Variety. en. 2020-05-04.
  7. Web site: Davis redubs indie banner. Harris. Dana. 2002-01-15. Variety. en. 2020-05-04.
  8. Web site: Davis, Fox ink TV pact. Hontz. Jenny. 1998-10-20. Variety. en. 2020-05-04.
  9. Web site: John Davis takes Fox TV deal. Schneider. Michael. 2007-10-24. Variety. en. 2020-05-04.
  10. Web site: 'The Blacklist' Producers Ink First Look Deal at Sony TV (Exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. 29 July 2013. en. 2020-05-04.
  11. News: Kinsey. Michelle. June 5, 2004. Hometown cat Garfield's movie opens next week. 105. 1, 6. The Star Press. 362. Muncie, Indiana. Newspapers.com. Note - the link provided is to part two of the article; part one is located here.
  12. Web site: Predator 5 in the works from 10 Cloverfield Lane director Dan Trachtenberg. 20 November 2020.
  13. Web site: Zachary Levi to Star in Sony's Live-Action 'Harold and the Purple Crayon' (Exclusive). . 1 February 2021.
  14. Web site: Joey King To Star And Exec Produce Netflix's Adaptation of 'Uglies' With McG Directing. Deadline. Kroll, Justin. September 29, 2020. March 13, 2023.
  15. Web site: Joey King Has An Exciting Update About Adapting The YA Bestseller Uglies For Netflix. CinemaBlend. El-Mahmoud, Sarah. February 15, 2022. March 13, 2023.
  16. Web site: Grobar. Matt. 'Flight Risk': Topher Grace & Michelle Dockery Join Mark Wahlberg In Mel Gibson-Helmed Lionsgate Thriller. Deadline Hollywood. January 4, 2024. January 4, 2024.
  17. Web site: D'Alessandro . Anthony . Lionsgate Dates Dave Bautista & Mark Wahlberg Movies For Fall; Gerard Butler's 'Den Of Thieves: Pantera' For 2025 . . May 21, 2024 . May 20, 2024.
  18. Web site: Amazon Studios Wins 'The Pick Up' Package In 7-Figure Deal; Eddie Murphy Eyeing Star Role & Tim Story To Direct Kevin Burrows-Matt Mider Spec. Deadline Hollywood. 14 December 2023. Mike. Fleming Jr. March 29, 2023.
  19. Web site: 'All of Me' Remake in the Works at DreamWorks. Borys Kit. September 11, 2012. The Hollywood Reporter. 7 December 2015.
  20. Web site: Universal Turning 1970s Series 'It Takes a Thief' into Film (EXCLUSIVE). Justin Kroll. October 30, 2013. Variety. 7 December 2015.
  21. Web site: 'Summertime': Will Smith Song In Works As Screen Gems Musical Feature From Westbrook Studios & Davis Entertainment. Matt Grobar. September 22, 2021. Deadline Hollywood. 23 November 2021.
  22. News: Mike Fleming Jr. . Eddie Murphy To Play Godfather Of Funk George Clinton In Biopic . April 1, 2022 . . . March 31, 2022.
  23. Web site: Keegan . Prosser . August 1, 2021 . Jungle Cruise: Dwayne Johnson Meeting With Disney to Discuss Sequel . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210802054621/https://www.cbr.com/jungle-cruise-dwayne-johnson-disney-discussing-sequel/ . August 2, 2021 . August 2, 2021 . Comic Book Resources.
  24. Web site: Kit . Borys . August 30, 2021 . 'Jungle Cruise' Sequel in the Works at Disney (Exclusive) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210830163417/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jungle-cruise-sequel-disney-emily-blunt-dwayne-johnson-1235004999/ . August 30, 2021 . August 30, 2021 . The Hollywood Reporter.
  25. Web site: Paramount Sets Remake Of Hitchcock's 'Vertigo' As Potential Robert Downey Jr-Starrer; Steven Knight To Write Script & Davis Entertainment To Produce With Team Downey. Deadline Hollywood. Fleming. Mike Jr.. March 23, 2023. March 24, 2023.
  26. News: Reich. Kenneth. March 3, 1997. Mammoth Area Avoids Fallout From 'Volcano'. Valley. CXVI. F9, F15. Los Angeles Times. 90. Newspapers.com. Note - Link to second part of the article.
  27. Web site: 'Behind Enemy Lines' Series Adaptation Of Movie Thriller Set At Fox As Put Pilot. Andreeva. Nellie. Deadline. 15 September 2015. 7 December 2015.
  28. Web site: NBC Picks Up Drama Pilots 'At That Age' & 'Echo'. Andreeva. Nellie. Petski. Denise. January 22, 2020. Deadline Hollywood. February 9, 2020.