Imagine Entertainment Explained

Imagine Entertainment
Type:Private
Location:150 South El Camino Drive
Location City:Beverly Hills, California
Location Country:United States
Area Served:Worldwide

Imagine Entertainment, formerly Imagine Films Entertainment, also known simply as Imagine, is an American film and television production company founded in November 1985 by producer Brian Grazer and director Ron Howard.

Background

Brian Grazer and Ron Howard met in 1982 on Night Shift, with Howard directing and Grazer co-producing. They followed it up by working on 1984's Splash.[1]

History

Imagine Films Entertainment

The company was originally founded in November 1985, following the success of the motion picture Splash. It was originated from a merger of two production companies, Ron Howard's Major H Productions and Brian Grazer's self-titled production company Brian Grazer Productions.[2] The company went public the following year. At first, the company set a deal with Tri-Star Pictures to produce feature films and television shows. Imagine granted Tri-Star the right of first refusal to syndicate their off-network shows produced by Imagine. Its offering was sold to Allen & Co. for 1,667,000 units for common stock and warrant it to purchase additional one-third of its stock. The net proceeds were used for development and production of theatrical films, television series, mini-series and made for television movies, although "the company does not presently intend to develop game shows or daytime soap operas." Imagine however has its prospectus having negotiations with Paramount Television for a commitment with ABC for a half-hour pilot and five episodes based on the comedy film Gung Ho.[3]

Later the same year, Imagine had a five-year deal with Showtime/The Movie Channel, Inc. and it was able to develop projects for the channels Showtime and The Movie Channel. The agreement would kick-off with 1989 pay television availabilities and include pay-per view exhibition rights to all Imagine-produced films and about 30 motion pictures and "an unspecified number of original products" are also covered by the agreement. "There was the option of developing "long-form dramas" or series as part of the original material to be developed and aired exclusively on Showtime, adding that it could also acquire the syndication rights to these films and original products.[4] [5]

In April 1987, producers Philip and Mary Ann Hobel had inked a pact with Imagine Films Entertainment to develop and produce theatrical fare for the company through Hobel Productions, and expected to serve as the eyes and ears of Imagine of New York, and will be backed by a development fund for the purchase of books, plays, scripts and ideas to be developed as film projects, and plans to do both comedy and drama projects with a concentration on contempo themes and issues through a first-look agreement.[6]

On July 29, 1987, Tri-Star Pictures and Imagine Films Entertainment announced the termination of obligations by Imagine to offer Tri-Star distribution rights for all of its television programming and feature films. Imagine, which received more than $1.7 million from Tri-Star, made a $1.3 million payment to Tri-Star, the companies said and advances from Tri-Star were eliminated. The companies said they "intend[ed] to work together on a project-by-project basis" and that projects already in development were not affected. Imagine said the modified agreement "provide[d] it with the flexibility to pursue certain financing and distribution opportunities which were not anticipated when the companies entered the original agreement."[7]

In November 1987, Imagine Films Entertainment announced its plans to move its financial and administrative activities from New York to Los Angeles, and Neil Braun, who was president and chief-executive officer of the company would not be part of the move, and instead would leave the company and is expected to reveal of his plans shortly and his personal commitments would keep him from making the shift, but he called the consolidation "the right decision for the company" while expressing his disappointment at not being able to stay on.[8]

On December 1, 1987, the company sealed a production and distribution deal with Universal Pictures via a "long-term multiple picture agreement" that they distributed Imagine's films for three to five films a year and the agreement "contemplates the possibility" that Universal acquired a 20% share in Imagine[9] and it ran through November 1992 for financing 50% of 30 films. Imagine had an IPO in 1986 at $8 for a package of one share and one warrant. Shares rose to $19.25 before falling in the stock market crash in 1987 to $2.25. In the summer of next year, Imagine struck a deal with MCA TV to handle distribution of its television material. MCA and Imagine had a joint television venture which MCA had the exclusive network and home video distribution rights. Imagine retained domestic distribution rights for now and was banking on those rights becoming more valuable in the future as its theatrical and television programs gained exposure. Imagine's television division focused on half-hour comedies, whereas MCA focused on one-hour programs for the networks.[10]

In September 1988, Robert Harris who was employee of MCA, and president of Universal Television Group joined the company as president of motion pictures and television. Harris said the studio was also taking original feature cable projects with Showtime, HBO, TNT, USA and MTV Network (which includes Nickelodeon and VH-1, in addition to projects with on-air networks).[11]

On May 29, 1989, Imagine and Central Independent Television signed a deal to make television films for the worldwide business. Under the deal, the new joint venture would produce between four and six television films and mini-series a year. MCA who owned about 20% of Imagine and had worldwide distribution rights to its television series as well as to its long-form programs on a project-by-project basis would also have first consideration on international distribution rights to the joint venture's programs. Imagine and Central retained rights in the United States and United Kingdom, respectively. The Imagine-Central joint venture was separate from MCA's own ongoing exploration of a joint venture with a European company for Europe-based long-form co-production. The company was in discussions with two or three potential partners, but a deal was not expected soon. Its projects required U.S. and UK presales to go forward, although the venture intended to seek U.S. buyers going beyond the three big commercial networks to include Fox, as well as cable networks TNT, USA Network, Showtime and HBO. The deal also allowed for theatrical distribution, although such co-productions were not in the planning.[12]

Imagine and Second City signed a joint venture deal in May 1989. In September 1989, Imagine is entering syndication production business and signed a long-term co-production deal with Second City Entertainment, for a late night talk/comedy strip that was distributed by MCA TV. It used the ready talent pool of Second City comedians. The result was My Talk Show, which aired in the 1990–91 season. As HA!: The Comedy Network is ready to air in 1990, they stuck deals with Imagine Films Entertainment, for series featuring the Second City Repertory Company, as well as MTM Enterprises.[13]

In 1990, Imagine Films Entertainment launched a brand new family film label Imagine Family Films, designed to compete with Disney for a family film audience, in order to produce G-rated and PG-rated feature films, and has plans to produce three family films per year, with an eye on the holiday release schedule. The first film planned to be developed for the branding was a remake of the 1963 family feature film Flipper, and an adaptation of the book series Curious George. Both MCA/Universal and Imagine agreed to an extension that Universal would handle theatrical distribution, network, foreign and home video rights, while Universal Studios Florida handled the theme park rights to the properties that were proposed by Imagine Family Films. The new Imagine Family Films banner was intended to model on the success of Disney, and decided to extend on the natural extension of the wholesome wide appeal fare the company has been using since its founding.[14]

In 1991, Imagine Films Entertainment shut down its original Imagine Television division, and terminating its exclusive production partnership with MCA, Inc., and it laid off 30 of its 80 employees of its company. It came when the series My Talk Show, and Parenthood flopped. Andrew Suskind, Joyce Brotman, Todd Bergesen, Richard Pierson, Judy Ranam and Lisa Bloom left the company.[15]

By May 1992, 48% of the stock was public traded and worth $9.375. The duo agreed to a new six-picture deal with Universal while concurrently offering $9 a share to buy the company's public outstanding share to start a new company with its assets. If not, they planned to leave the company at their contract expiration in November to start the new company anyway. Universal was providing the cash for a buyout of an equity stake in the new company.[5] By January 21, 1993, it approved a $9 share offer made by its founders and co-chief executives, and IFE Acquisition Co. could render the offer for the deal.[16]

Imagine Entertainment

In early 1997, Imagine Entertainment reopened its television division and signed a deal with Disney for the development of television series, which would expire at the end of 2000. Its film contract remained with Universal. It boosted up their access to Disney's television production slate. Imagine was exclusive for development and production of television projects, including half-hour comedy series, one-hour dramas, motion pictures for television and miniseries.[17] [18] They hired Tony Krantz to be co-chairman of its television division, and it shared a stake in the television division with its founders Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, while overseeing the television division's day-to-day operations.[19]

In 2000, the partnership teamed up with 20th Century Fox Television for development of television series, an agreement which was set to expire at the end of 2016. In 2011, the company had three weak box office performers with The Dilemma, Cowboys & Aliens and Tower Heist. Because of their weak financial pact renewal with Universal in January 2012, Imagine laid off 5 employees, including production executive Jeremy Steckler.[20] This also moved Imagine from exclusive to a first-look deal. By 2013, Imagine was considering other funding methods for the company's films including crowdfunding for a Friday Night Lights film.[21]

In November 2013, Michael Rosenberg was promoted to co-chairman followed in December 2013, with Erica Huggins being promoted to his previous position as president.[22] Industry insiders indicated in late January 2016 that a deal with Raine Group was in the works that would have Raine become a partner of the production company while contributing $100 million. The deal was then confirmed on February 8, 2016.[23]

On April 5, 2017, Imagine signed a six-picture deal with Warner Bros. and Australian visual effects/animation studio Animal Logic to develop, finance, and produce six animated/live-action films.[24] [25] At the end of July 2017, the company struck a four-year first look co-financing and television production deal with CBS Corporation, which saw the former producing content for the company's CBS and Showtime television networks and CBS All Access SVOD streaming service. The agreement was reached by Grazer and CBS Corporation then-Chairman and then-CEO Les Moonves.[26]

In February 2018, Imagine acquired a controlling stake in Jax Media.[27] In November that same year, the company also acquired a stake in content studio Marginal Mediaworks founded by CEO Sanjay Sharma.[28]

In June 2020, Imagine Entertainment made a substantial investment in Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney's Jigsaw Productions. Gibney formed the New York-based Jigsaw in 2012, and directed and produced , Taxi to the Dark Side, , , , and Citizen K.[29] More recently, the studio signed a first-look deal with Apple Originals.[30]

In January 2023, Imagine Entertainment promoted Justin Wilkes to President of the company.[31] Most recently, the company struck a first-look deal for feature films and documentaries with Amazon Studios.[32]

Filmography

Feature-film division

The feature-film division has participated in over sixty productions and is associated with Universal Pictures,[33] which has distributed many of Imagine's productions, some with other studios. Erica Huggins was hired as senior vice president of motion picture production and was elevated to executive vice president in 2006, and later to co-president of production in 2010.[22]

Theatrical films

1980s
YearTitleDistributorNotesReferences
1987Like Father Like SonFirst film
1988WillowWith Lucasfilm
Vibes
Clean and Sober
1989The 'BurbsUniversal Pictures
The Dream Team
Parenthood
1990s
YearTitleDistributorNotesReferences
1990Cry-BabyUniversal Pictures
Opportunity KnocksWith Brad Grey Productions and The Meledandri-Gordon Company
Kindergarten Cop
Problem ChildWith Robert Simonds Productions
1991The DoorsWith Carolco Pictures
Closet LandUniversal Pictures
BackdraftWith Trilogy Entertainment Group
Problem Child 2With Robert Simonds Productions
My Girl
1992Far and AwayUniversal Pictures
HouseSitter
BoomerangWith Eddie Murphy Productions
1993CB4Universal Pictures
Cop and a Half
For Love or Money
1994My Girl 2
GreedyUniversal Pictures
The Paper
The Cowboy Way
1995Apollo 13
1996Sgt. Bilko
Fear
The Nutty ProfessorWith Eddie Murphy Productions
RansomWith Touchstone Pictures
The ChamberUniversal PicturesWith Davis Entertainment
1997Liar Liar
Inventing the Abbotts
1998Mercury RisingUniversal Pictures
Psycho
1999EDtv
Life
Bowfinger
Beyond the Mat[34]
2000s
YearTitleDistributorNotesReferences
2000Universal PicturesWith Eddie Murphy Productions
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
2001A Beautiful MindWith DreamWorks Pictures
2002Undercover Brother
Blue Crush
Stealing HarvardWith Columbia Pictures and Revolution Studios
8 MileUniversal PicturesWith Mikona Productions GmbH & Co. KG
2003Intolerable CrueltyWith Mike Zoss Productions
The MissingWith Columbia Pictures and Revolution Studios
The Cat in the HatWith DreamWorks Pictures
2004The AlamoWith Touchstone Pictures
Friday Night LightsUniversal Pictures
2005Inside Deep ThroatWith HBO Documentary Films and World of Wonder
Cinderella ManWith Miramax Films and Parkway Productions
FlightplanWith Touchstone Pictures
Fun with Dick and JaneWith Columbia Pictures and JC 23 Entertainment
2006Curious GeorgeUniversal PicturesWith Universal Animation Studios; first animated film
Inside ManWith 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks
The Da Vinci CodeWith Columbia Pictures and Skylark Productions
2007American GangsterUniversal PicturesWith Relativity Media and Scott Free Productions
2008ChangelingWith Relativity Media and Malpaso Productions
Frost/NixonWith StudioCanal, Relativity Media and Working Title Films
2009Angels & DemonsWith Columbia Pictures and Skylark Productions
2010s
YearTitleDistributorNotesReferences
2010Robin HoodUniversal PicturesWith Relativity Media and Scott Free Productions
2011The DilemmaWith Spyglass Entertainment and Wild West Picture Show Productions
Take Me Home TonightWith Rogue
Cowboys & AliensWith DreamWorks Pictures, Reliance Entertainment, K/O Paper Products, Fairview Entertainment and Platinum Studios; international distribution by Paramount Pictures
RestlessWith Columbia Pictures
Tower HeistWith Relativity Media and Eddie Murphy Productions
J. EdgarWith Malpaso Productions and Wintergreen Productions
2012With AEG Live, EMI Music, Perry Productions, Pulse Films, Magical Elves Productions, Splinter Films, MTV Films and Insurge Pictures
2013RushIndependently financed; with Exclusive Media, Cross Creek Pictures, Working Title Films and Revolution Films
Made in AmericaWith Participant Media, RadicalMedia and Jay-Z[35]
2014Get On UpWith Jagged Films and Wyolah Films
The Good LieWith Alcon Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment and Black Label Media
2015In the Heart of the SeaWith Village Roadshow Pictures, RatPac-Dune Entertainment, COTT Productions, Enelmar Productions A.I.E., Roth Films, Spring Creek Pictures and Kia Jam
Prophet's PreyWith Artemis Rising Foundation and Disarming Films[36]
Love the CoopersWith Groundswell Productions[37]
2016With Seine Pictures
InfernoWith Columbia Pictures, LStar Capital, LSG Productions and Mid Atlantic Films
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring YearsWith Apple Corps and White Horse Pictures[38]
2017LowridersWith BH Tilt and Telemundo
The Dark TowerWith Columbia Pictures, Weed Road Pictures and MRC
American MadeWith Cross Creek Pictures, Hercules Film Fund, Quadrant Pictures and Vendian Entertainment
2018The Spy Who Dumped MeWith Bron Studios[39]
2019PavarottiWith PolyGram Entertainment, Decca Records and White Horse Pictures
Under Imagine Documentaries; with Bell Media Studios and White Pine Pictures[40] [41]
2020s
YearTitleDistributorNotesReferences
2020Rebuilding ParadiseUnder Imagine Documentaries[42]
Breakthrough: Virus FightersUnder Imagine Documentaries; with National Geographic Studios, Lincoln Square Productions, DDCD & Partners, Inc., Asylum Entertainment and General Electric[43]
D. Wade: Life UnexpectedUnder Imagine Documentaries[44] [45]
2021JuliaUnder Imagine Documentaries; with CNN Films and Storyville Films[46]
Paper & GlueUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Impact Partners, TIME Studios and Shark Island Productions[47]
2022Thirteen LivesWith Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Bron Creative, Magnolia Mae Films and Storyteller Productions[48]
2023CarlosUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Sony Music Entertainment[49]
Future
YearTitleDistributorNotesReferences
TBAZeroWith Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and Animal Logic[50]
Untitled Friday Night Lights filmUniversal Pictures[51]
Fear[52]
Scar Tissue[53]
After the HuntWith Frenesy Film Company[54]
Rainbow Serpent [55]
EdenWith AGC Studios[56]
Love Advice from the Great Duke of HellWith Wattpad Webtoon Studios[57]
Whalefall With 3 Arts Entertainment[58] [59]
Untitled 24 film[60]
MuttnikWith Paramount Animation[61]

Direct-to-video films

2010s
YearTitleDistributorNotesReferences
2015Curious George 3: Back to the JungleUniversal Pictures Home EntertainmentWith Universal 1440 Entertainment and Universal Animation Studios
2016Kindergarten Cop 2With Universal 1440 Entertainment and Where's Arnold Productions
2017Cop and a Half: New RecruitWith Universal 1440 Entertainment, Everywhere Studios and 50 Degrees North Productions
2019Backdraft 2With Universal 1440 Entertainment, Rafaella Productions, Nexus Factory, uMedia and Title Media
Curious George: Royal MonkeyWith Universal 1440 Entertainment and Universal Animation Studios
With Universal 1440 Entertainment
Undercover Brother 2With Universal 1440 Entertainment and Hal Lieberman Company

Direct-to-streaming films

2020s
YearTitleDistributorNotesReferences
2020DadsUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Dove Men + Care and Nine Muses Entertainment[63]
Curious George: Go West Go WildWith Universal 1440 Entertainment and Universal Animation Studios
Hillbilly Elegy
John BroncoWith Gifted Youth[64]
2021The Day Sports Stood StillUnder Imagine Documentaries; with HBO Documentary Films, Waffle Iron Entertainment, Hill District Media and Ohh Dip!Productions[65]
Who Are You, Charlie Brown?Under Imagine Documentaries; with WildBrain Studios, Peanuts Worldwide and Schulz Studio[66]
John Bronco Rides AgainWith Gifted Youth
Curious George: Cape AhoyWith Universal 1440 Entertainment and Universal Animation Studios
Tick, Tick... Boom!With 5000 Broadway Productions[67]
Coded: The Hidden Love of J.C. LeyendeckerUnder Imagine Documentaries; with MTV Documentary Films and Delirio Films; short documentary[68] [69]
2022Under Imagine Documentaries; with Moxie Films
Lucy and DesiUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Amazon Studios, White Horse Pictures, Paper Kite Productions and Diamond Docs[70]
We Feed PeopleUnder Imagine Documentaries; with National Geographic Documentary Films[71]
Leave No TraceUnder Imagine Documentaries; with ABC News Studios and Vermilion Films[72]
Thirteen LivesWith Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Bron and Amazon Studios[73]
Wedding SeasonWith Jax Media and Samosa Stories
Louis Armstrong's Black & BluesUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Polygram Entertainment
The Volcano: Rescue from WhakaariUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Appian Way and Moxie Films[74]
2023Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming, with Dave LettermanUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Tremolo Productions and Worldwide Pants Productions[75]
Judy Blume ForeverUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Amazon Studios[76]
The Beanie BubbleWith Apple Studios[77]
Candy Cane LaneWith Amazon MGM Studios, Bubble Pictures and Big Indie Pictures[78]
2024FridaUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Amazon MGM Studios, Time Studios and Storyville Films[79]
StormyUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Apatow Productions and Carr Lot Productions[80]
Jim Henson Idea ManUnder Imagine Documentaries; with The Jim Henson Company, Diamond Docs and Fifth Season[81] [82]
Future

Television films

2020s
YearTitleDistributorNotesReferences
2023Personality Crisis: One Night OnlyUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Showtime Documentary Films and Sikelia Productions
The Slumber PartyUnder Imagine Kids+Family; with Jax Media[84]

Television division

Imagine Television Studios
Former Name:Imagine Television (1985-2019)
Type:Division
Industry:Television production
Founders:Brian Grazer
Ron Howard
Location City:Beverly Hills, California
Location Country:United States
Area Served:Worldwide
Key People:Brian Grazer (Chairman)
Ron Howard (Chairman)
Products:Television series
Parent:Imagine Entertainment
Owners:Brian Grazer
Ron Howard

Its television division, Imagine Television Studios (formerly Imagine Television), was founded in November 1985 by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, around the same time when the company was founded. It has participated in at least twenty productions and is associated with 20th Century Fox Television.

Television productions

1980s
Year(s)TitleNetwork/ChannelNotesReferences
1986–87Gung HoFirst television series; with Four Way Productions and Paramount Television
1987–88OharaWith M'ass Production and Warner Bros. Television
1987Take FiveWith Empire City Presentations and Tri-Star Television
1989Knight & Daye
1990s
Year(s)TitleNetwork/ChannelNotesReferences
1990–91ParenthoodWith Universal Television
My Talk ShowWith Second City Entertainment and MCA TV
1997–98Hiller and DillerWith Touchstone Television
1998From the Earth to the Moon
1998–2000Sports Night With Touchstone Television
1998–2002Felicity
1999–2001The PJsWith The Murphy Company, Will Vinton Studios, Touchstone Television (seasons 1 and 2) and Warner Bros. Television (season 3)
2000s
Year(s)TitleNetwork/ChannelNotesReferences
2000WonderlandWith Touchstone Television
Rat BastardPilot; with Epoch Ink
2001The BeastWith Touchstone Television
2001–1024With Real Time Productions, Teakwood Lane Productions, and 20th Century Fox Television
2003Miss MatchWith Darren Star Productions and 20th Century Fox Television
2003–06
2013–19
Arrested DevelopmentWith The Hurwitz Company and 20th Century Fox Television
2004The Big HouseWith 20th Century Fox Television
2004–05QuintupletsWith Mark Reisman Productions and 20th Century Fox Television
2005The InsideWith Reamworks and 20th Century Fox Television
2006Saved With Sarabande Productions and Fox 21
2006–15
2021–22
Curious George Credited as Imagine Entertainment; seasons 1–9, 12 and 14–15; with WGBH Boston (seasons 1–9 and 12), Universal 1440 Entertainment (seasons 12, 14–15) and Universal Animation Studios
2006 Treasure Hunters With Magical Elves, Inc. and Madison Road Entertainment
2006–08SharkWith Deforestation Services and 20th Century Fox Television
2006–11Friday Night LightsWith Film 44 and Universal Media Studios
2008 With Teakwood Lane Productions and 20th Century Fox Television
2009–11Lie to MeWith Pagoda Pictures, Samuel Baum Productions, MiddKid Productions, and 20th Century Fox Television
2010s
Year(s)TitleNetwork/ChannelNotesReferences
2010–15 Parenthood With True Jack Productions, Open 4 Business Productions and Universal Television
2011Friends with BenefitsWith Big Kid Pictures, Pickle Films, and 20th Century Fox Television
The Playboy Club With Alta Loma Entertainment, Storyland Entertainment, and 20th Century Fox Television
2012 The 84th Academy AwardsWith The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences[85]
The Great Escape With Profiles Television Productions, The Hochberg Ebersol Company, and Fox Television Studios
2013How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)With Hot Lava Girl Productions and 20th Century Fox Television
2014 Those Who Kill With One Two One Three Pictures, Miso Film, and Fox 21
24: Live Another Day With Teakwood Lane Productions and 20th Century Fox Television
Gang RelatedWith Chris Morgan Productions, Skeeter Rosenbaum Productions, and 20th Century Fox Television
2015–20EmpireWith Lee Daniels Entertainment, Danny Strong Productions, Little Chicken Inc., and 20th Century Fox Television
2015The Bastard ExecutionerWith Sutter Ink, FX Productions, and Fox 21 Television Studios
2015–present Breakthrough
2016–18 Mars With RadicalMedia[86]
2017With Coto/Katz Productions, Teakwood Lane Productions and 20th Century Fox Television[87]
Shots Fired With Undisputed Cinema and 20th Century Fox Television
2017–presentGenius With Paperboy Productions, OddLot Entertainment, EUE/Sokolow and 20th Television[88]
2019–21Why Women Kill With Black Lamb, Acme Productions, Cherry Productions and CBS Studios
2019–23With RZA Productions, Minute Drill Productions and 20th Television
2020s
Year(s)TitleNetwork/ChannelNotesReferences
202068 Whiskey With yes Studio, Little City and CBS Television Studios
Filthy Rich With Wyolah Films and Fox Entertainment
2020–21The AstronautsUnder Imagine Kids+Family; with UnMovies and Nickelodeon Productions[89] [90]
2020On PointeUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Downtown Community Television Center
2021 Under Imagine Documentaries; with Disarming Films[91]
Under Imagine Documentaries; with RadicalMedia and Third Eye Motion Picture Company
Supervillain: The Making of Tekashi 6ix9ineUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Rolling Stone and Lightbox[92] [93]
GossipUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Showtime Documentary Films
The Lost SymbolWith Dworkin/Beattie, Universal Television and CBS Studios
Under Imagine Documentaries; with RadicalMedia and Third Eye Motion Picture Company
2021–23SwaggerWith Undisputed Cinema, Thirty Five Ventures and CBS Studios
2021–presentThe Ms. Pat ShowWith Lee Daniels Entertainment, DAE Light Media and BET Original Productions
2022Under the Banner of HeavenCredited as Imagine Television; with Hungry Jackal Productions, Aggregate Films and FXP
Under Imagine Documentaries; with Luminant Media
Light & MagicUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Lucasfilm and Kasdan Pictures [94]
Under Imagine Documentaries; with RadicalMedia and Third Eye Motion Picture Company
2022–presentThe Tiny Chef ShowUnder Imagine Kids+Family; with Factory (season 1), ShadowMachine (season 2), Dunshire Productions, Tiny Chef Productions and Nickelodeon Animation Studio[95]
2023Murf the SurfWith This Machine Filmworks
2023–presentBossy BearUnder Imagine Kids+Family; with Renegade Animation and Nickelodeon Animation Studio
2023The Super ModelsUnder Imagine Documentaries; with One Story Up[96]
Taiwan Crime StoriesWith CalFilms Asia and Sixty Percent Productions[97]
2024ChoirUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Blumhouse Television and Maniac Productions[98]
The Truth About JimUnder Imagine Documentaries; with Investigation Discovery[99]
The Dynasty: New England PatriotsUnder Imagine Documentaries[100]
Future
Year(s)TitleNetwork/ChannelNotesReferences
TBAGringo HuntersWith The Washington Post, Woo Films and Redrum[101]
Untitled musical comedyWith Amazon MGM Studios[102]
FearWith Universal Television[103]

Notes and References

  1. News: Rainey. James. Raine Group to Invest $100 Million-Plus in Imagine, Partners Eye Expansion. January 29, 2016. Variety. January 28, 2016.
  2. Web site: Brian Grazer. 2021-11-22. IMDb.
  3. News: 1986-06-30. Looking for big 'Splash.'. Broadcasting Magazine. 2020-05-02.
  4. News: 1986-09-29. Exclusivity deals. Broadcasting Magazine. 2020-05-02.
  5. News: Fabrikant. Geraldine. COMPANY NEWS; Chiefs of Imagine Films Seek to Take It Private. January 29, 2016. The New York Times. May 19, 1992.
  6. News: 1987-04-29 . Hobels To Make Pix For Imagine . 5, 28 . Variety.
  7. Web site: Tri-Star Pictures and Imagine Films Entertainment announced.... 1987-07-29. Los Angeles Times. en-US. 2020-05-02.
  8. News: 1987-11-11 . Imagine going west without prez Braun . 7 . Variety.
  9. Web site: Universal Pictures and Imagine Films Entertainment announced.... 1987-12-01. Los Angeles Times. en-US. 2020-05-02.
  10. News: 1988-08-29. Harris leaving MCA for Imagine. Broadcasting Magazine. 2020-05-03.
  11. News: 1989-09-11. Howard/Imagine/Second City/MCA TV. Broadcasting Magazine. 2020-05-02.
  12. News: 1989-05-29. Imagine, CIT meet to make movies.. Broadcasting Magazine. 2020-05-02.
  13. News: 1989-11-06. In the works. Broadcasting Magazine. 2020-05-03.
  14. News: Eller. Claudia. 1990-07-04. Wholesome Ron's Imagine to cultivate 'franchise-able' family pix; 'Flipper' first. 28. Variety.
  15. News: 1991-03-25. Imagine Films Entertainment is folding its Imagine Television division. Broadcasting Magazine. 2020-05-03.
  16. Web site: Keslar. Linda. 1993-01-14. Imagine to start buyout by Jan. 21. 2021-11-28. Variety. en-US.
  17. News: 1997-02-17. Imagine signs Disney deal. Broadcasting & Cable. 2020-05-03.
  18. Web site: Disney TV deal: Imagine that. 1997-02-11. Variety. en. 2020-05-02.
  19. News: Rice. Lynette. 1997-04-21. Imagine there's a new TV division. Broadcasting & Cable. 2020-05-03.
  20. News: Imagine Entertainment Lays Off Staff. January 29, 2016. The Hollywood Reporter. January 12, 2012.
  21. News: Fleming. Mike Jr.. Cannes: Brian Grazer, Ron Howard Introduce Imagine 2.0; A Pele Pic On The Croisette, A Crowd-Funded 'Friday Night Lights', 'Dark Tower', Jay-Z And One Angry White Whale. January 29, 2016. Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. May 16, 2013.
  22. News: McNary. Dave. Ron Howard, Brian Grazer Promote Erica Huggins to President of Imagine. January 29, 2016. Variety. December 9, 2013 .
  23. Web site: Lang. Brent. 2016-02-08. Imagine Confirms Raine Group Investment. 2021-11-28. Variety. en-US.
  24. News: Ron Howard's Imagine Entertainment Teams Up With Animal Logic for 6 Animated Features. Amid. Amidi. April 5, 2017. April 17, 2017.
  25. Web site: Imagine & Animal Logic Form Film Partnership With Warner Bros To Generate Animated & Hybrid Family Films. Mike Jr.. Fleming. May 22, 2018.
  26. Web site: Imagine Enters Co-Financing First-Look Deal With CBS Corp. For TV Programming. Deadline. 31 July 2017. 13 February 2020. Nellie. Andreeva.
  27. Web site: Andreeva. Nellie. Imagine Entertainment Takes Controlling Interest In Comedy Series Producer Jax Media. Deadline. 17 May 2018. 20 February 2018.
  28. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Broadens Footprint, Takes Majority Stake In Marginal Mediaworks. Deadline. 6 November 2018. 13 February 2020. Mike Fleming Jr..
  29. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Makes "Substantial Investment" in Jigsaw Productions as Alex Gibney Becomes Cornerstone Filmmaker in Documentary Growth Plans. 16 June 2020.
  30. Web site: 2021-03-11. Apple Signs First Look Deal With Imagine Entertainment. 2021-03-12. The Hollywood Reporter. en.
  31. Web site: Andreeva . Nellie . Imagine Entertainment Elevates Justin Wilkes To President . Deadline . 13 November 2023 . 17 January 2023.
  32. Web site: Fleming . Mike Jr. . Imagine Entertainment Makes Multi-Year First-Look Film Deal With Amazon Studios . Deadline . 13 November 2023 . 31 March 2023.
  33. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Company Profile – Yahoo! Finance. Biz.yahoo.com. 2011-05-17.
  34. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Beyond the Mat.
  35. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Made in America.
  36. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Prophets Prey.
  37. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Love the Coopers.
  38. Web site: Imagine Entertainment the Beatles: Eight Days a Week – the Touring Years.
  39. Web site: Kate McKinnon, Mila Kunis in Talks to Star in Action-Comedy 'The Spy Who Dumped Me'. Rebecca. Ford. Borys. Kit. The Hollywood Reporter. 17 March 2017. 17 March 2017.
  40. Web site: Toronto Opening-Night Film 'Once Were Brothers' Acquired by Magnolia Pictures. 5 September 2019.
  41. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band.
  42. Web site: Nat Geo Documentary Films Nabs Ron Howard Look at California Wildfires (Exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. Gregg. Kilada. January 24, 2019. June 15, 2020.
  43. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Breakthrough.
  44. Web site: D. Wade: Life Unexpected | Watch ESPN.
  45. Web site: Imagine Entertainment D. Wade: Life Unexpected.
  46. Web site: Sony Classics Acquires World Rights To Julia Child Doc By 'RBG' Directors, Imagine & CNN Films. Deadline Hollywood. Andreas. Wiseman. April 17, 2020. June 15, 2020.
  47. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Paper & Glue.
  48. Web site: MGM Wins Auction For 'Thirteen Lives,' Ron Howard-Directed Thriller About Thai Cave Rescue. Fleming. Mike Jr.. May 4, 2020.
  49. Web site: Carlos Santana Documentary 'Carlos' Acquired By Sony Pictures Classics. Deadline Hollywood. Matt. Grobar. 26 April 2023. 27 April 2023.
  50. Web site: June 23, 2019 . Ron Howard to direct Imagine Entertainment-Animal Logic co-production .
  51. Web site: The Dowdle Brothers Tackle New 'Friday Night Lights' Movie (EXCLUSIVE). Justin. Kroll. November 21, 2019.
  52. Web site: 'The Hate U Give' Star Amandla Stenberg Joins Universal's 'Fear' Reboot. D'Alessandro. Anthony. May 23, 2019.
  53. Web site: Universal Options Rights To Red Hot Chili Peppers Frontman Anthony Kiedis' Autobiography Scar Tissue; Brian Grazer Producing Biopic. Kroll. Justin. Deadline Hollywood. January 17, 2024. January 17, 2024.
  54. Web site: Glenn. Garner. Julia Roberts, Chloë Sevigny & Ayo Edebiri Begin Filming Luca Guadagnino's 'After The Hunt' In London. Deadline Hollywood. July 6, 2024.
  55. Web site: Ron Howard to Direct First Animated Film as Imagine Sets Ambitious Feature Slate With Animal Logic (EXCLUSIVE). Donnelly. Matt. Variety. June 20, 2019. April 10, 2021. May 6, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210506184839/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/ron-howard-first-animated-film-imagine-animal-logic-slate-1203248486/. live.
  56. Web site: Wiseman. Andreas. Vanessa Kirby & Sydney Sweeney Join Jude Law, Ana De Armas & Daniel Brühl In Ron Howard's Renamed Survival Thriller Eden Ahead Of November Shoot; Hans Zimmer To Score For Imagine & AGC — AFM. Deadline Hollywood. October 30, 2023. February 21, 2024.
  57. Web site: Grobar. Matt. 'Love Advice From The Great Duke of Hell': Imagine Entertainment, Wattpad Webtoon Studios Developing Film Adaptation Of Hit Webtoon Comic. Deadline Hollywood. 2023-11-20. 2023-11-26.
  58. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Pre-emptively Secures Film Rights To Daniel Kraus' Anticipated Novel 'Whalefall'. Deadline Hollywood. Grobar. Matt. August 1, 2023. August 2, 2023.
  59. News: Grobar . Matt . 20th Wins Bidding War For Imagine's Survival Thriller 'Whalefall'; Brian Duffield To Co-Write & Direct . 7 March 2024 . Deadline Hollywood . Penske Media Corporation . March 7, 2024.
  60. Web site: 24 Movie In Early Development At 20th Century And Imagine Entertainment. Kroll. Justin. Deadline Hollywood. July 17, 2024. July 18, 2024.
  61. Web site: Bad Bunny and Will Ferrell Film 'Dropz' Among Five New Projects in Development at Paramount Animation, Says Chief Ramsey Naito (EXCLUSIVE). Giardina. Carolyn. June 10, 2024.
  62. Web site: 'Peanuts In Space' From Morgan Neville & Imagine OK'd For Launch On Apple TV. Deadline Hollywood. Patrick. Hipes. April 25, 2019. June 17, 2021.
  63. Web site: Bryce Dallas Howard's Documentary 'Dads' Finds Home At Apple – Toronto. Deadline Hollywood. Patrick. Hipes. September 6, 2019. June 15, 2020.
  64. Web site: John Bronco.
  65. Web site: Imagine Entertainment the Day Sports Stood Still.
  66. Apple announces "Who Are You, Charlie Brown?" celebrating the origins of the beloved "Peanuts" characters and their creator, Charles M. Schulz. June 4, 2021. June 4, 2021. Apple TV+ Press. en-US.
  67. Web site: Imagine Sets Lin-Manuel Miranda's Helming Debut: 'Rent' Creator Jonathan Larson's 'Tick, Tick…Boom!'; 'Evan Hansen's Steven Levenson Scripting. Mike Jr.. Fleming. July 19, 2018.
  68. Web site: Malkin. Marc. MTV Documentary Films Acquires Ryan White's Short 'Coded: The Hidden Love of J.C. Leyendecker' (EXCLUSIVE). August 26, 2021. March 16, 2023. Variety.
  69. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Coded: The Hidden Love of J.C. Leyendecker.
  70. Web site: VanHoose. Benjamin. Amy Poehler's Lucy and Desi Doc Explores Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's Romance: Watch the Trailer. February 15, 2022. June 20, 2022. People.
  71. Web site: 'We Feed People' Review: Ron Howard's Doc Explores Chef José Andrés and His Staggering Work in Disaster Relief - SXSW 2022 . Ross . Bonaime . March 21, 2022 . Collider.
  72. Wallace. Lindsay Lee. The True Story Behind Hulu's Boy Scouts Documentary Leave No Trace. June 17, 2022. June 19, 2022. Time.
  73. Web site: Ron Howard's 'Thirteen Lives' Moves to August, Pivots to Hybrid Release via MGM and Amazon. Variety. Angelique. Jackson. 16 May 2022. 14 July 2022.
  74. Web site: O’Rourke. Ryan. 'The Volcano: Rescue From Whakaari' Trailer Revisits Devastating New Zealand Disaster. November 29, 2022. March 15, 2023. Collider.
  75. Web site: Hailu. Selome. 'Bono & The Edge' Documentary Special With David Letterman Greenlit at Disney+ Ahead of Upcoming U2 Album. Variety. January 13, 2023. January 13, 2023.
  76. Web site: White. Abbey. 'Judy Blume Forever' Trailer Reveals the Coming-of-Age Story Behind the "Fearless" Author. The Hollywood Reporter. March 8, 2023. March 9, 2023.
  77. Web site: Apple Lands Feature Film 'Beanie Bubble' Starring Zach Galifianakis, Elizabeth Banks, Sarah Snook And Geraldine Viswanathan . Justin. Kroll. Deadline Hollywood. January 11, 2022. June 10, 2022.
  78. Web site: Eddie Murphy to Star in Holiday Comedy 'Candy Cane Lane' for Prime Video. Angelique. Jackson. July 19, 2022. June 23, 2023. Variety.
  79. Web site: Thompson . Anne . 2024-01-20 . Why Frida Kahlo Uses Her Own Words in Sundance Documentary 'Frida' . 2024-03-11 . IndieWire . en-US.
  80. Web site: Stormy Daniels Documentary From 'Orgasm Inc' Director Set at Peacock. Variety. Ellise. Shafer. February 5, 2024. February 7, 2024.
  81. News: Carey . Matthew . Ron Howard, Brian Grazer Team For Documentary On Jim Henson, With Full Participation Of Muppet Creator's Family . Deadline . March 30, 2022 . March 15, 2023.
  82. Deadline Imagine, Fifth Season Team On Feature Docu Slate; Ron Howard Helms Pic On Photog Richard Avedon, Lawrence Kasdan Directs One On Martin Short January 22, 2024
  83. Netflix Picks Up Ron Howard's Animated Directorial Debut "The Shrinking Of The Treehorn". May 16, 2022. Netflix Media Center.
  84. Web site: Denise. Petski. The Slumber Party Coming-Of-Age Comedy Movie Based On 'The Sleepover' Teen Novel Ordered By Disney Branded Television. Deadline Hollywood. September 27, 2022. 2023-06-23. 2022-09-27 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220927160300/https://deadline.com/2022/09/the-slumber-party-coming-of-age-comedy-movie-the-sleepover-teen-novel-ordered-disney-branded-television-1235126025/. live.
  85. Web site: Imagine Entertainment 84th Academy Awards. Imagine Entertainment.
  86. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Mars.
  87. Web site: '24: Legacy': Teddy Sears Cast As Head Of CTU In Fox Pilot. Andreeva. Nellie. Deadline Hollywood. 2016-02-23. 2017-02-13.
  88. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Genius: Aretha.
  89. News: NICKELODEON AND IMAGINE DEVELOPING ORIGINAL SPACE SERIES. Nickelodeon Press. June 18, 2019. August 11, 2019.
  90. News: NICKELODEON PREPARES FOR LIFT-OFF WITH THE ASTRONAUTS, WITH IMAGINE TELEVISION. Nickelodeon Press. February 19, 2020. August 18, 2020.
  91. Web site: Imagine Entertainment We Are: The Brooklyn Saints.
  92. Web site: Imagine Entertainment Supervillain: The Making of Tekashi 6ix9ine.
  93. Web site: Supervillain: The Making of Tekashi 6ix9ine.
  94. Web site: Villei. Matt. Lucasfilm Announces 'Light & Magic' Documentary, Showcasing Behind-the-Scenes 'Star Wars' Magic. May 4, 2022. June 10, 2022. Collider.
  95. Web site: SOCIAL MEDIA SENSATION THE TINY CHEF HEADS TO NICKELODEON IN BRAND-NEW SERIES FROM FIRST PRODUCTION WITH IMAGINE KIDS+FAMILY. Nickelodeon Press. August 12, 2020. August 18, 2020.
  96. Web site: White. Peter. October 6, 2020. Apple Lands 'The Supermodels' Doc Series From Director Barbara Kopple & Imagine Documentaries. October 8, 2020. Deadline Hollywood. October 11, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201011194059/https://deadline.com/2020/10/apple-the-supermodels-barbara-kopple-imagine-documentaries-1234592237/. live.
  97. News: Joel Keller . Stream It Or Skip It: 'Taiwan Crime Stories' On Hulu, An Anthology Drama Based On Real Cases . Decider . 2023-02-08 . en.
  98. Web site: Archer . Greg . Exclusive: Director Rudy Valdez Marvels About the Stunning Kids Featured in Disney+'s Docuseries Choir . February 1, 2024 . February 9, 2024 . MovieWeb.
  99. Web site: Acosta. Nicole. A Calif. Woman Searched for Answers About Abusive Step-Grandfather. Did She Uncover a Serial Killer?. February 1, 2024. February 9, 2024. People.
  100. Web site: O'Rourke. Ryan. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick Collide in 'The Dynasty: New England Patriots' Trailer. Collider. November 17, 2023. February 9, 2024.
  101. Web site: 'Gringo Hunters' Casts José María Yazpik, Sebastian Roché, Harold Torres & Mayra Hermosillo Among 11 As Production Begins. Rosy. Cordero. Deadline. March 12, 2024. May 30, 2024.
  102. Web site: Danny DeVito & Jeff Goldblum To Star In Amazon Comedy Series From Imagine TV. Andreeva. Nellie. Deadline. 2017-05-03. 2017-05-03.
  103. Web site: Petski. Denise. 'Fear' Series Based On 1996 Film In Works At Peacock From 'The Path' Creator Jessica Goldberg. October 10, 2022. August 4, 2023. Deadline.