Biography
The entertainment industry's shifts are seismic, but visionary Jeff Clanagan has managed to remain in front of the next wave for over two decades. As Codeblack Enterprises President and CEO, Clanagan continues to set industry precedents by producing and distributing content that defies conventional wisdom, and is leading market growth into a territory that was once dismissed as barren. In 2011, the independent blockbuster film, "Kevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain" was marketed using Clanagan's signature, targeted techniques and grossed an average of $20,000 per theatre, which was groundbreaking for an independently produced and distributed film. The film set a record as the best performing concert series since "Martin Lawrence: Runteldat" in 2002 to break the $5 million mark. Shortly thereafter, Clanagan ventured into an unprecedented partnership with Lionsgate. Clanagan will bring his expertise in feature film, television programming, comedy specials and digital content to this new partnership.
In 2005, Clanagan founded Codeblack Enterprises to provide clients with a fully-integrated suite of services that span the production and branding life cycles - from idea lab to execution. With everything under the same, dynamic roof, Clanagan's clients optimize their creative visions - and the art that is ultimately output - using both new and traditional entertainment media. Jeff Clanagan, recognized as one of Black Enterprise Magazine's Top 50 Hollywood Power Brokers and a member of Ebony Magazine's Power 150, is responsible for the release of nearly 200 DVDs. His projects have generated over $150 million in revenue.
Previously, in his role as President and CEO of UrbanWorks Entertainment, Clanagan developed and implemented the company's strategy. At the time of Clanagan's departure, UrbanWorks was positioned as a leading distributor of home entertainment.
Clanagan entered the entertainment industry as a concert promoter for vanguard artists Run DMC, LL Cool J, The Isley Brothers, MC Hammer, and Luther Vandross, among others. His first role, after transitioning from backstage to the back lot, was as President of Master P's seminal No Limit Films. At No Limit, Clanagan was responsible for the production of the successful films Foolish and Lockdown, and facilitated the firm's growth into a $40 Million pioneering force in the urban home video market.
Clanagan was eventually tapped by Peter Guber's Mandalay Sports & Entertainment, for a role as President of Mandalay Urban Entertainment. Under Clanagan's direction, Mandalay received accolades for award-winning films like Civil Brand, which was recognized at international film festivals including the American Black Film Festival, the Urban World Film Festival, and the Pan-African Film Festival.
Jeff Clanagan is currently enrolled at Harvard Business School, in the prestigious Executive Management program. He has been profiled in The New York Times, The L.A. Times, GQ Magazine, and VIBE Magazine.
