Sony Pictures names Michael Helfand, Joe Matukiewicz as head of global acquisitions

Dear colleagues,

I’d like to share some important news from our Worldwide Acquisitions and Stage 6 Films divisions: Michael Helfand, vice president of business and strategic operations, and Joe Matukiewicz, vice president of acquisitions, have been named co-heads of SPWA and its Stage 6 Films label. They will continue to oversee the business and creative activities, respectively, while expanding their roles to collectively oversee the day-to-day management of SPWA’s broad-based properties and businesses, including a primary focus on independently produced films and episodic content for various distribution platforms. They will continue to report to me.

Together, Michael and Joe created the division’s most successful and anticipated titles, including: Fede Alvarez’s hit thriller “Don’t Breathe,” the “Insidious” series, the critically acclaimed “Professor Marston” and Angela Robinson’s “Wonder Women”; Award-winning and Oscar-nominated films Spotlight, Manchester By The Sea, Arrival and Nebraska; as well as breakthrough acquisitions Hello, My Name is Doris, Dope, Whiplash, Leave No Trace, Hearts Beat Loud and Search, which will be released with Screen Gems later this year. SPWA’s popular series include House of Cards, Night Manager and The Tudors. The department is currently working on Greyhound, written by and starring Tom Hanks, directed by Aaron Schneider, and in pre-production on the revival of The Grudge.

Since joining SPWA in 2011, Joe has played a key role in SPWA’s overall creative strategy, leading the company’s early investments in numerous critically acclaimed and award-winning films across all of SPE’s distribution channels. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, he has established himself as a leader in the film community, successfully combining independent film with major studio work.

Michael became SPWA’s Chief Operating Officer in 2007, leading SPWA’s overall business strategy and negotiating with filmmakers, producers and partners, resulting in many years of successful production of theatrical, episodic and multi-platform films. Michael spent the last 19 years of a 26+ year career at SPE, where he held leadership positions in the film, television and family entertainment departments. His responsibilities included the acquisition, development, production and acquisition of live-action, long-form animated and episodic content, as well as providing domestic and international distribution and marketing capabilities.

With this change, Jon Freedberg will assume the role of Senior Vice President of Business Development and Content Strategy at SPWA. His scope extends beyond business development and will include additional operational responsibilities for content strategy and value creation, creating new revenue opportunities across all ancillary and distribution outlets, and coordinating international independent theatrical releases. Jon has been invaluable in ensuring SPWA’s continued profitability by opening new revenue channels around the world.

We have a growing slate of films and episodic shows that will continue to thrive under the proven leadership of Michael, Joe and Jon. Please join me in congratulating them.

Steve