John Gore Studios is founded by award winning entertainment producer John Gore, a 22-time Tony winner, as well as a recipient of 2 Emmys and 2 Oliviers. Listed in Variety500 as one of the 500 most influential business leaders shaping the global media industry today, British-born Gore has long harboured a desire to expand his reach to the UK and focus his creative and commercial skills on the British film and TV industry. Gore will serve as Executive Chairman of John Gore Studios.
John Gore Studios is a global business, headquartered in London with offices in New York, dedicated to celebrating and preserving the legacy of iconic heritage brands, such as Hammer Films, while ushering in a new era of storytelling that captivates audiences worldwide. Through the strategic acquisition and restoration of film libraries, the acquisition of heritage intellectual property and a commitment to innovative production, John Gore Studios will uphold the rich traditions of the British film and television industry with a future-facing creative vision.
John Gore Studios will adopt a strategic approach to Film and TV that mirrors the highly successful methods used for theatre by the John Gore Organization, a comprehensive family of media companies, which includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, and Group Sales Box Office.
The company appoints Hilary Strong as CEO, a seasoned executive in the literary and entertainment sectors, who previously served as CEO of Agatha Christie Ltd, where she led a multi-disciplined team to transform the iconic crime brand into a modern, global force in both feature films and television. In her most recent role, as founder and CEO, UK and Europe for International Literary Properties, Strong acquired a library of important literary estates and titles from across all genres, working with authors and their families to maximise exploitation of their IP for the international market.
Strong brings a wealth of experience in both intellectual property rights optimisation and the strategic leadership of new creative businesses. Her established track record of launching successful film and television productions, combined with managing prestigious literary estates, makes her uniquely positioned to drive and deliver priority projects and strategic goals at John Gore Studios. By providing significant investment and a fresh creative vision, Gore and Strong will ensure that the company is a creative studio in which both classic and new storytelling thrive.
Strong will head up an executive team which already includes Jonathan Lack as Chief Acquisitions Officer, Jamie Anderson as Head of Creative Development and Ellen Ray as Head of Brand and Communications.
John Gore, Executive Chairman of John Gore Studios, says: “I am thrilled to be announcing the launch of John Gore Studios. Having had the joy of working in theatre for many years, I am delighted to be leaning into my other great passion, film and TV. It is also an absolute privilege to welcome Hilary Strong to helm the studio, as CEO. With her unrivalled track record working with the best of British IP, at Agatha Christie, during her time at ILP and at Hat Trick and her experience and connectivity in the industry, she brings the perfect blend of commercial and creative expertise for championing storytelling on a global stage. We share a commitment to authenticity and meaningful IP, and I’m incredibly excited about the future we’ll shape together.”
Hilary Strong, CEO of John Gore Studios says: “I am delighted to be joining forces with John Gore, an inspirational, award-winning visionary and unparalleled creative leader. Together with our uniquely talented team, we are forging a new and dynamic entertainment studio which combines our shared passion for preserving the rich legacy of our media heritage, whilst working with best of breed talent to create new and exciting productions. The prospect of undertaking smart strategic acquisitions and new partnerships designed to unlock world class creative possibilities is truly exhilarating.”
John Gore Studios is already set for production on two new features:
The Bitter End will be directed by multi-award-winning director Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral) and penned by screenwriter and novelist Louise Fennell. The film stars Golden Globe winner Joan Collins as Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee who became the Duchess of Windsor after marrying King Edward VIII, the British King who chose love over duty, in the shocking untold story of her final years.
Joan Collins says, “I am thrilled about the challenge of playing this iconic woman in a previously untold story and to be in John Gore Studios’ initial roster of what I’m sure will be a very successful endeavour.”
The film will be produced by John Gore, Richard Holmes and Francis Hopkinson and executive produced by Hilary Strong and Michael Foster. Filming is set to begin May 2025.
Ithaqua is an exciting new production under the Hammer banner. The film introduces the first new Hammer monster in sixty years, Ithaqua, created by the film’s director and producer Casey Walker. Set in 1800s Canada, it sees the British survivors of a remote trade outpost plagued by an ancient evil that leaves its victims with an insatiable hunger for flesh. The film stars Luke Hemsworth, Kevin Durand, Michael Pitt, Craig Lauzon and Leenah Robinson with the screenplay written by Walker in collaboration with Peter Vicaire and Pascal Trottier. Distribution will be handled by Kaleidoscope.
Ahead of today’s launch, John Gore announced the acquisition of the iconic British label Hammer Films which celebrated its 90th anniversary in November 2024, the acquisition of Silver Salt Restoration, a leading UK film restoration studio, and KFilm Ltd, comprising of UK distribution companies Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment and Icon Film Distribution, and international sales arm Kaleidoscope Film Distribution. These companies are all integral to the new studio’s vision and mission and will provide both IP for new development and a pipeline to bring iconic original films back to the global market.