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Producer Andrew Kosove is co-CEO and co-founder of Alcon Entertainment, the Los Angeles-based wholly independent production company that develops, finances, produces and markets theatrical motion pictures exclusively for distribution by Warner Bros.
Kosove ironically became interested in film production while double majoring in economics and politics as a Princeton undergraduate. Although he and college friend Broderick Johnson shared a mutual interest in film and the business of entertainment, neither committed to pursuing a career as filmmakers. Johnson eventually graduated and moved to New York, where he joined a Wall Street brokerage firm. Kosove graduated a couple of years later and intended to enroll in law school when he heard about Richard Kirkland, a basketball player and gangster, and thought his story would make a good movie. Kosove enlisted Johnson and together they spent three years working with a producer on the project. The project was never made, but they ultimately moved to Los Angeles to pursue filmmaking careers.
Soon after, the two were introduced to Federal Express Chairman and Founder Frederick W. Smith. Kosove and Johnson took the opportunity to present Smith with a 221-page proposal suggesting that an independent film company, backed by a well-capitalized individual or company, and aligned with a major studio for an exclusive distribution arrangement would, applying their reasoned methods, reap profits on copyrighted assets over a set period of time. Smith liked what he read.
Ultimately, Smith chose to partner with Kosove and Johnson in the finance, development and production company Alcon Entertainment. The two producers set up a small apartment "office" they rented by the week, and later a "real" office after launching their first project, "Lost and Found," a failure at the box office and a momentary set back for the young producers. However, the second film they produced, "My Dog Skip," was released soon after and earned them their first bona fide success, and Smith's admiration for their persistence and business sense.
Since then Alcon has established two long-term, exclusive distribution agreements with Warner Bros, which was recently renewed through 2015, calling for the producers to finance and produce three films per year for Warner Bros. to distribute.
In 2009, Kosove produced alongside co-CEO Broderick Johnson, Alcon's critically acclaimed, box office hit, "The Blind Side," which was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar and earned Sandra Bullock the Oscar for Best Actress. "The Blind Side" has grossed more than $309 million worldwide and broke box office records by being the first film with a female lead to surpass the $200 million mark, earned in its seventh week.
Alcon followed up the success of "The Blind Side" with the hit action thriller "The Book of Eli," directed by Albert and Allen Hughes and starring Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman and Mila Kunis. The film grossed more than $157 million worldwide at the box office. It was Denzel Washington's second biggest opening ever.
The Company's next release is "Joyful Noise," a music driven comedy starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton slated for release January 13, 2012.
Earlier this year the Company released the box-office success "Dolphin Tale," a 3-D family film starring Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd and Kris Kristofferson and "Something Borrowed," based on New York Times bestselling author Emily Giffin's book, starring Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin and John Krasinski. All three films are released via Alcon's output deal with Warner Bros.
Currently, Alcon is working with Ridley Scott developing a follow up to the iconic science fiction thriller "Blade Runner," to which they recently acquired all-inclusive franchise rights. The filmmakers have not yet revealed whether the theatrical project will be a prequel or sequel to the renowned original. Scott will direct.
Additionally Alcon is producing a live action/animated big screen adaptation of the 1970s Hanna-Barbera animated TV series Hong Kong Phooey, with Eddie Murphy attached as the lead voice.
Alcon has financed, and/or co-financed/produced 20 films, including both "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants " films starring Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively and Alexis Bledel; "P.S. I Love You," the hit romantic comedy starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler and directed by Richard La Gravenese; the critical favorite "My Dog Skip;" the hit comedy "Dude, Where's My Car?" starring Ashton Kutcher; "Insomnia," starring Al Pacino, Robin Williams, and Hilary Swank and directed by Chris Nolan; and "16 Blocks," starring Bruce Willis, among others.
Kosove is also an accomplished marathon runner and ironman distance triathlete. He lives in Los Angeles and is married to producer Kira Davis, they have two children.
