Hollywood Hits Brisbane Bullets

The Brisbane Bullets are excited to confirm the introduction of a strong consortium of individuals, based in Hollywood, as part of the organisation’s ownership group.

Managing Partner, and majority owner, Kevin Martin, has been working hard behind the scenes to build a strong wealth of knowledge to be a part of his team, and from different areas of business expertise.

The group of individuals include Basil Iwanyk, an American film Producer and founder of Thunder Road Films, which is one of the most prolific and respected independent film companies in Hollywood. Iwanyk’s films have collectively grossed over $3.5 billion worldwide. Iwanyk is best known for producing the John Wick franchise, the Sicario franchise, A Star is Born, Wind River, Greenland, and The Town. Iwanyk is also Co-CEO of game1 who are changing the landscape of sports storytelling through elevated content. game1 produce powerful, emotional and memorable stories that are highly creative, are beautifully cinematic and innovatively astounding.

Joe Drake, who is a leading entertainment entrepreneur and one of Hollywood’s most respected studio executives. He currently serves as Chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, and is responsible for the Company’s global feature filmed entertainment business, including acquisitions, production, marketing and distribution. He leads a team responsible for a portfolio of films that has grossed more than $10 billion at the global box office over the past six years. 

Nick Meyer, President of Film at Hasbro’s entertainment studio has overseen and produced both Academy Award®-winning films and blockbuster franchises.  He recently brought the instant holiday classic Happiest Season to audiences and currently in production on the untitled global comedy, action/adventure film based on Hasbro/WOTC’s global franchise, Dungeons & Dragons  

Peter Schlessel is the former President of Sony Pictures and co-founder and CEO of FilmDistrict which was the leading independent film distribution and marketing company.  He currently serves on the board or is an advisor to Village Roadshow, Lionsgate, SpinMaster and Redbox. He has been a producer or Executive Producer on a number of films including the upcoming Paw Patrol movie.

And also, Sean Vanaman who is a video game developer and cofounder of the game studio Campo Santo. He works at Valve and his works include Firewatch, Half-Life: Alyx and The Walking Dead.

Martin is excited about the team that is being assembled.

“We have assembled some of the most prominent people in the entertainment business from over in Hollywood and they’re well aware of the opportunities that present themselves by being invested in the sports and entertainment industry in Australia,” Martin said.

 “The connections and ability they have to do business both at home and in Australia is seen as a real positive for them and it’s something they are excited to be a part of.

“The entire group can only see the up side in being a part of the Bullets organisation and I look forward to working with them and the management team in the future.”

The consortium is looking forward to working with Martin and the Bullets management team.

“Basketball is a passion for all of us, so we jumped at the opportunity to invest in the Brisbane Bullets. We have been incredibly impressed by the strategy and ambition of the Bullets’ management and are excited about helping our team become a powerhouse in the NBL.”

Bullets CEO Peter McLennan has been impressed with early dialogue with the group and is looking forward to the opportunities that may present themselves in the future.

“The addition of this group of people only solidifies the quality and well credentialed individuals that Kevin is putting together,” McLennan said.

“To be able to have direct links to this leading group of Hollywood executives will only benefit the club. I’m extremely excited to work with them and to leverage their knowledge, expertise and contacts to assist with the continued growth and profile of the Bullets.”