Spyglass Media Group
| Company type | Privately held company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production, television production, finance services |
| Predecessor | Spyglass Entertainment |
| Founded | August 21, 1998 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Founder | Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum |
| Defunct | February 10, 2012 (as Spyglass Entertainment) |
| Fate | Revived in 2019 through collaboration with Lantern Entertainment |
| Successor | Spyglass Media Group (2019–present) |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Gary Barber (Founder, CEO) |
| Products | Film production, television production, finance services |
| Parent | Lantern Entertainment (majority stakeholder as of 2019) |
Spyglass Media Group, LLC is a privately held American company specializing in film production, television production, and finance services, headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
Established on August 21, 1998, by Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum under the name Spyglass Entertainment, the company ceased active operations on February 10, 2012. In the wake of the sexual misconduct allegations against former The Weinstein Company chairman Harvey Weinstein, Spyglass was revived on March 13, 2019, through a collaboration with Lantern Entertainment.
Spyglass Entertainment
Spyglass Entertainment was created on August 21, 1998, by Gary Barber, previously vice chairman and CEO at Morgan Creek Productions, alongside Roger Birnbaum, co-founder and former leader of Caravan Pictures. The new venture secured a five-year distribution contract with the Walt Disney Studios, which also acquired an equity position in the company.
Encouraged by Disney studio head Joe Roth, Birnbaum departed Caravan to establish a self-financed production company modeled after entities like New Regency Productions. Following the release of Caravan’s remaining projects, the label became inactive.
Disney contributed Spyglass’s film lineup and provided an initial advance estimated between $10 million and $20 million against future revenues. The company's operations were housed at the Disney lot in Burbank.
On October 29, 1998, European media corporations Kirch Group and Mediaset invested to secure distribution rights for 15 to 25 films across territories including Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the former Soviet Union over a five-year span. Among Spyglass's early successes was M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense (1999), which followed Instinct as the company’s second release and earned $661 million globally.
By May 2000, Disney maintained a 10% ownership stake in Spyglass alongside Scandinavian company Svensk Filmindustri and Portugal’s Lusomundo. On March 7, 2003, Spyglass entered into a four-year distribution agreement with Village Roadshow covering Australia, New Zealand, and Greece.
In August 2002, Spyglass inaugurated a television division aimed at producing small-screen content such as the short-lived series Miracles. That same year, it pursued but ultimately did not complete a merger with independent distributor Intermedia.
In December 2003, Spyglass terminated its arrangement with Disney and negotiated a four-year first-look co-financing and production agreement with DreamWorks. However, this deal was never finalized; instead, in September 2003, Spyglass secured a comparable agreement with Sony Pictures. The company moved its base to Murdoch Plaza in Westwood, Los Angeles, rather than operating from Sony’s studio lot.
On March 25, 2010, ownership of Spyglass transferred to Cerberus Capital Management.
Later that year, on December 20, founders Barber and Birnbaum were appointed co-chairmen and CEOs of the holding entity for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), which had recently emerged from bankruptcy. Although there were initial plans to integrate Spyglass's film library into MGM’s assets, this strategy was eventually abandoned.
Spyglass Media Group
On March 13, 2019, Barber and Lantern Entertainment reestablished the firm under the name Spyglass Media Group, with financial backing from Eagle Pictures and Cineworld. Lantern became the majority stakeholder, transferring its film catalog along with rights to Miramax sequels to Spyglass. Barber contributed the Spyglass trademark and holds the sequel and remake rights to the original library. The company is dedicated to creating content for a variety of platforms. Following this transition, Spyglass shut down Lantern Entertainment's New York branch, resulting in 15 layoffs.[1] Unlike Spyglass Entertainment, Birnbaum is not a co-founder of Spyglass Media Group, although he did produce Eli Roth's Thanksgiving.
On April 1, 2019, Lauren Whitney, previously Miramax’s television president, assumed the identical position at Spyglass.[2] Later that year, on September 3, Damien Marin was appointed president of global distribution and acquisitions.[3]
Warner Bros. acquired an equity interest in Spyglass on April 16, 2019, simultaneously entering into a first-look deal.[4] In August 2019, Spyglass briefly explored acquiring a stake in Miramax but withdrew from negotiations within two weeks.[5]
The first project approved by Spyglass after its relaunch was a reboot of the Hellraiser series, announced on May 6, 2019.[6] By November 2019, Spyglass had obtained the rights to Stephen King’s The Institute, planning it as a limited series with Jack Bender and David E. Kelley involved; Bender also secured a television first-look agreement.[7]
Peter Oillataguerre, who formerly served as MGM’s president of physical production, was named president of production at Spyglass but departed for Amazon MGM Studios in September 2023.[8]
On October 28, 2020, Spyglass introduced Artists Road, a collaborative venture with Propagate Content, Artists First, and Off-Road Productions aimed at financing and producing mid-budget commercial comedies.[9]
On July 15, 2021, Lionsgate purchased 200 films from The Weinstein Company's catalog—previously held by Spyglass—for $191.4 million. This deal included an 18.9% ownership stake in Spyglass and a first-look agreement for television projects.[10]
In November 2023, Spyglass terminated Melissa Barrera’s involvement in Scream 7 following her social media posts supporting Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict amid accusations of antisemitism.[11] Shortly thereafter, co-star Jenna Ortega exited the project citing scheduling conflicts with Wednesday.[12] Ortega later explained in April 2025 that Barrera’s dismissal and changes in directorial leadership due to Spyglass’s restructuring made her participation impossible.[13] The production underwent significant changes and recasting, with Neve Campbell returning as the lead.[14]
1990s
| Title | Release date | Distributor | Notes | Budget | Gross |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instinct | June 4, 1999 | Buena Vista Pictures | Distributed through Disney's Touchstone Pictures label; co-produced with Barbara Boyle/Michael Taylor Productions; debut film | $80 million | $34.1 million |
| The Sixth Sense | August 6, 1999 | Released via Disney's Hollywood Pictures label; co-production with The Kennedy/Marshall Company and Barry Mendel Productions | $40 million | $672.8 million | |
| The Insider | November 5, 1999 | Distributed through Disney's Touchstone Pictures; co-produced alongside Forward Pass and Eric Roth Productions | $68 million | $60.2 million |
2000s
G.I Joe: The Rise of Cobra August7 ,09 Paramount Co-produced by Hasbro & di Bonaventura Budget: $175M Gross: $302.5M Invictus December11 ,09 Warner Bros Co-produced by Revelations Entertainment & Malpaso Budget: approx.$50–60M Gross: $122.2M2010s
| Title | Release date | Distributor | Notes | Budget | Gross |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mission to Mars | March 10, 2000 | Buena Vista Pictures | Distributed via Disney's Touchstone Pictures label; joint production with Jacobson Company | $100 million | $111 million |
| Keeping the Faith | April 14, 2000 | Distributed through Disney's Touchstone Pictures; co-produced alongside Birnbaum/Barber Productions, Koch Co., Blumberg/Norton Productions, and Triple Threat Talent | $29 million | $59.9 million | |
| Shanghai Noon | May 26, 2000 | Distributed via Disney's Touchstone Pictures; collaboration with Birnbaum/Barber Productions and Jackie Chan Films Ltd. | $55 million | $100.5 million | |
| Out Cold | November 21, 2001 | Distributed by Disney’s Touchstone Pictures label; co-produced with Birnbaum/Barber Productions and The Donners' Company | $24 million | $14.8 million | |
| The Count of Monte Cristo | January 25, 2002 | Distributed through Disney’s Touchstone Pictures; co-production with Birnbaum/Barber Productions | $35 million | $75.4 million | |
| Dragonfly | February 22, 2002 | Universal Pictures | Co-produced with Gran Via Productions and Shady Acres Entertainment; Buena Vista International handled distribution outside the US | $60 million | $52.3 million |
| Reign of Fire | July 12, 2002 | Buena Vista Pictures | Released via Disney’s Touchstone Pictures; joint venture with Birnbaum/Barber Productions and The Zanuck Company | $60 million | $82.2 million |
| Abandon | October 18, 2002 | Paramount Pictures | Co-production with Lynda Obst Productions; international distribution by Buena Vista International | $25 million | $12.3 million |
| The Recruit | January 31, 2003 | Buena Vista Pictures | Released under Disney’s Touchstone Pictures label; collaboration with Birnbaum/Barber Productions and Epsilon Motion Pictures | $46 million | $101.2 million |
| Shanghai Knights | February 7, 2003 | Distributed by Disney’s Touchstone Pictures; co-produced with Birnbaum/Barber Productions and Jackie Chan Films Ltd. | $50 million | $88.3 million | |
| Bruce Almighty | May 23, 2003 | Universal Pictures | Joint production with Shady Acres Entertainment and Jim Carrey's Pit Bull Productions; Buena Vista International managed overseas distribution | $81 million | $484.6 million |
| Seabiscuit | July 25, 2003 | Co-produced alongside DreamWorks Pictures, The Kennedy/Marshall Company and Larger Than Life Productions; international distribution by Buena Vista International | $87 million | $148.3 million | |
| The Perfect Score | January 30, 2004 | Paramount Pictures | Uncredited co-production with MTV Films and Tollin/Robbins Productions | N/A | $10.5 million |
| Connie and Carla | April 16, 2004 | Universal Pictures | Co-produced with Birnbaum/Barber Productions | $27 million | $11.3 million |
| Mr. 3000 | September 17, 2004 | Buena Vista Pictures | Released under Disney’s Touchstone Pictures label; co-production with Dimension Films, Birnbaum/Barber Productions and The Kennedy/Marshall Company | $30 million | $21.8 million |
| The Pacifier | March 4, 2005 | Distributed through Disney’s Walt Disney Pictures label; joint production with Birnbaum/Barber Productions | $56 million | $198.6 million | |
| The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy | April 29, 2005 | Released via Disney’s Touchstone Pictures label; co-produced with Birnbaum/Barber Productions, Hammer & Tongs and Everyman Pictures | Estimated $45–50 million | $104.5 million | |
| Crazy Monkey Presents Straight Outta Benoni | September 30, 2005 | Sony Pictures Releasing | Co-distributed alongside Sony’s TriStar Pictures label; co-produced with Ster-Kinekor Pictures | $345,949 | |
| The Legend of Zorro | October 28, 2005 | Released under Sony’s Columbia Pictures; collaborative production with Amblin Entertainment and Parkes/MacDonald Productions | $65 million | $142.4 million | |
| Memoirs of a Geisha | December 9, 2005 | Distributed via Sony’s Columbia Pictures label; co-production involving DreamWorks Pictures, Amblin Entertainment and Red Wagon Entertainment | $85 million | $162.2 million | |
| Eight Below | February 17, 2006 | Buena Vista Pictures | Released through Disney’s Walt Disney Pictures label; co-production with Mandeville Films and The Kennedy/Marshall Company | $40 million | $120.5 million |
| Stay Alive | March 24, 2006 | Distributed by Disney’s Hollywood Pictures label; co-produced alongside Endgame Entertainment, Wonderland Sound and Vision and Birnbaum/Barber Productions; Universal Pictures handled international distribution | $20 million | $27.1 million | |
| Stick It | April 28, 2006 | Released through Disney’s Touchstone Pictures label; collaborative production with Birnbaum/Barber Productions, Gail Lyon Productions and Jessica Bendinger Productions | $20 million | $31.9 million | |
| The Lookout | March 30, 2007 | Released under Disney’s Miramax Films label; joint venture with Laurence Mark Productions, Parkes/MacDonald Productions and Birnbaum/Barber Productions | $16 million | $5.4 million | |
| The Invisible | April 27, 2007 | Distributed via Disney’s Hollywood Pictures label; co-produced alongside Birnbaum/Barber Productions and MacariEdelstein Productions | N/A | $26.8 million | |
| Evan Almighty | June 22, 2007 | Universal Pictures | Co-production including Relativity Media, Original Film, Shady Acres Entertainment and Birnbaum/Barber Productions | $175 million | $173.4 million |
| Underdog | August 3, 2007 | Buena Vista Pictures | Released under Disney’s Walt Disney Pictures label; collaboration with Birnbaum/Barber Productions, Jay Polstein Productions and Classic Media | $25 million | $65.3 million |
| Balls of Fury | August 29, 2007 | Focus Features | Joint production with Rogue Pictures, Intrepid Pictures and Birnbaum/Barber Productions | N/A | $41.1 million |
| 27 Dresses | January 18, 2008 | 20th Century Fox | Distributed via Fox’s Fox 2000 Pictures label; co-production alongside Birnbaum/Barber Productions and Dune Entertainment III | $30 million | $160.3 million |
| Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins | February 8, 2008 | Universal Pictures | Co-produced in partnership with Stuber-Parent Productions | $35 million | $43.6 million |
| The Ruins | April 4, 2008 | Paramount Pictures | Distributed through Paramount's DreamWorks Pictures label; co-production with Red Hour Films | $25 million | $22.3 million |
| The Happening | June 13, 2008 | 20th Century Fox | Joint production involving Dune Entertainment, UTV Motion Pictures and Blinding Edge Pictures | $48 million | $163.4 million |
| The Love Guru | June 20, 2008 | Paramount Pictures | Collaborative production with Nomoneyfun Films and Michael de Luca Productions | $62 million | $40.9 million |
| Wanted | June 27, 2008 | Universal Pictures | Co-production including Relativity Media, Marc Platt Productions, Kickstart Productions and Top Cow Productions | $75 million | $341.4 million |
| Ghost Town | September 19, 2008 | Paramount Pictures | Released through Paramount's DreamWorks label; co-produced with Pariah | $20 million | $27.1 million |
| Flash of Genius | October 3, 2008 | Universal Pictures | Co-produced alongside Strike Entertainment | $20 million | $4.8 million |
| Four Christmases | November 26, 2008 | Warner Bros. Pictures | Distributed via Warner's New Line Cinema label; collaboration with Wild West Picture Show Productions and Type A Films | $80 million | $163.7 million |
| Star Trek | May 8, 2009 | rowspan="2" |Paramount pictures
Co-produced by Bad Robot
Budget: $150M
Gross: $385.7M
| |||
| Title | Release date | Distributor | Notes | Budget | Gross |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leap Year | January 8, 2010 | Universal Pictures | Produced in partnership with BenderSpink and Birnbaum/Barber Productions | $19 million | $32.6 million |
| Get Him to the Greek | June 4, 2010 | Collaboratively produced with Relativity Media and Apatow Productions | $40 million | $91.3 million | |
| Dinner for Schmucks | July 30, 2010 | Paramount Pictures | Joint production involving DreamWorks Pictures, Parkes/MacDonald Productions, Reliance Big Pictures, and Everyman Pictures | $69 million | $86.9 million |
| The Tourist | December 10, 2010 | Sony Pictures Releasing | Distributed via Sony's Columbia Pictures label; co-produced with GK Films and StudioCanal | $100 million | $278.3 million |
| The Dilemma | January 14, 2011 | Universal Pictures | Produced alongside Imagine Entertainment and Wild West Picture Show Productions | $70 million | $69.7 million |
| No Strings Attached | January 21, 2011 | Paramount Pictures | Released under Paramount's DreamWorks Pictures label; co-production with The Montecito Picture Company | $25 million | $149.2 million |
| Footloose | October 14, 2011 | Produced in collaboration with MTV Films, Dylan Sellers Productions, Zadan/Meron Productions, and Weston Pictures | $24 million | $63.5 million | |
| The Vow | February 10, 2012 | Sony Pictures Releasing | Distributed via Sony's Screen Gems label; co-produced with Roger Birnbaum/Gary Barber Productions; marked the final film in this partnership | $30 million | $196.1 million |
2020s
| Title | Release date | Distributor | Notes | Budget | Gross |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scream | January 14, 2022 | Paramount Pictures | Produced in conjunction with Project X Entertainment and Radio Silence Productions | $24 million | $138.9 million |
| Hellraiser | October 7, 2022 | Hulu (US) Paramount+ (International) |
Collaborative production with Phantom Four Films and 247Hub; Paramount Pictures handled international distribution | $14 million | $12,640 |
| Scream VI | March 10, 2023 | Paramount Pictures | Co-produced alongside Project X Entertainment and Radio Silence Productions | $33–35 million | $169.1 million |
| Spy Kids: Armageddon | September 22, 2023 | Netflix | Joint production with Skydance Media and Troublemaker Studios | N/A | N/A |
| Thanksgiving | November 17, 2023 | Sony Pictures Releasing | Produced in partnership with TriStar Pictures, Dragonfly Entertainment, and Electromagnetic Productions | $15 million | $46.5 million |
| December 25, 2023 | Amazon MGM Studios | Co-production with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Smokehouse Pictures, Tempesta Films, and Anonymous Content | $40 million | $55.5 million | |
| June 28, 2024 | Republic Pictures | Produced together with Lionsgate Films, Artists Road, and Unique Features | N/A | N/A | |
| August 23, 2024 | Netflix | Collaborative production with Artists Road and Stoller Global Solutions | N/A | N/A | |
| February 7, 2025 | Sony Pictures Releasing (North America) Republic Pictures (International) |
Co-production alongside Screen Gems and Divide/Conquer | $18 million | $32.9 million |
Upcoming Projects
| Title | Release Date | Distributor | Details | Production Phase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scream 7 | February 27, 2026 | Paramount Pictures | Joint production with Radio Silence Productions, Project X Entertainment, and Outerbanks Entertainment | Post-production |
| Nawałnica | July 1, 2026 | Forum Film Poland | Spyglass Media Group's inaugural Polish film; collaboration with Polish Film Institute | Pre-production |
| Thanksgiving 2 | To Be Announced | Sony Pictures Releasing | Produced in partnership with TriStar Pictures, Dragonfly Entertainment, and Electromagnetic Productions |
Projects in Development
}External links
| Title | Distributor | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Back Together | To Be Announced | |
| Cricket in Times Square | To Be Announced | |
| D-Day | To Be Announced | |
| Deadpoint | To Be Announced | Produced alongside Good Fear Content |
| Denali | To Be Announced | |
| Knight Rider | Universal Pictures | Co-produced with 87North Productions |
| Perfect Strangers | To Be Announced | Collaboration with Eagle Pictures, 3 Marys Entertainment, and Hoorae Media |
| Short Circuit | To Be Announced | Joint production with Project X Entertainment and Rehab Entertainment |
| Testify | To Be Announced | |
| Untitled documentary on Julie Krone / Larissa Bills | To Be Announced | |
| Untitled film about Tanaquil Le Clercq | To Be Announced |
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