Jeff Kleeman named new CEO of Bold Films

Jeff Kleeman has stepped in as CEO of Bold Films, succeeding Gary Michael Walters, whose departure was announced in March after nearly 20 years.

The studio executive turned producer-writer-showrunner comes from Ellen DeGeneres’ A Very Good Production, where he served as president since 2012, overseeing work on 26 series, specials and films and more than 1,615 hours of live Action innings and animated content.

Kleeman will report to Bold’s chairman, David Litvak, who oversees the company’s ongoing operations and expansion plans. He will now focus on building strategic partnerships, with a specific focus on international partnerships, while leveraging both existing Vet IP and new IP to generate multiple revenue streams.

Kleeman’s appointment comes at a time when Bold Films is seeking a more global presence in development and production as it continues to develop feature film projects for cinema and streaming, as well as episodic content and live theater.

Joining Kleeman are EVP of Development and Production Jon Oakes, who has worked at the studio for more than a decade, and Creative Executive Sophia Kalin. Oakes was instrumental in developing and producing Bold Films’ roster, which includes previously released titles such as The culprits, Oslo, colette, whiplash, Moth And motivation. The creative team is supported by Erich Ebner, Director of Productions, Licensing and Operations, who is responsible for the relationships with buyers and merchants associated with the Bold catalog and for building preferred relationships with partners around the world.

Bold Films Chairman Litvak said, “I am delighted to welcome Jeff to lead the company and help us build new relationships both in the United States and abroad. With an extensive background in both film and television, working as a producer and writer/showrunner, and illustrious career at MGM/UA, Paramount and more recently building Ellen’s dynamic production company, I am confident that Jeff will lead Bold Films to new heights.”

“It is an honor to work with David and his team to continue to expand the company’s diverse library of sublime feature films, television shows, animation and franchises that deliver unforgettable emotional experiences to audiences around the world, and television programs that are not scripted, Kleeman added in his statement.

Most notably, Kleeman helped launch the Jack Ryan franchise The Hunt for Red Octoberwhich also helped relaunch the James Bond franchise golden eye, Tomorrow never dies And The world is not enough. Other notable credits for narrative features are Star Trek VI, The Birdcage, The Thomas Crown Affair, The judge, Robert Roy And Leaving Las Vegas. He has worked on documentaries such as threatened and the coming Save the Gorillas: Ellen’s Next Adventureand also recently produced the Netflix animated series Green Eggs & Hamalong with the first ever fully animated stand-up special, Tig Notaro: Signedfor HBO Max. Kleeman’s network TV credits include Apart together, Little big shots, first date And Ellen’s game of games.

Since its inception in 2004, Bold Films has received three Academy Awards out of seven nominations, one Golden Globe out of six nominations, and two Emmy nominations. Notable titles from the company’s past include, in addition to the above No way out, legion, caller shot, Stronger And Bobby, to name a few. Recent credits include the Netflix thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua The culprits Bartlett Sher’s Emmy-nominated HBO TV movie starring Jake Gyllenhaal as the 911 operator Oslo produced with DreamWorks Pictures and Marc Platt Productions and Brady Corbet’s Vox Lux with Natalie Portman and Jude Law.