EXCLUSIVE: Lionsgate has elevated two executives in its international merchandise and experiences division: Gene Rogers is now SVP of Production and Operations, Global Products and Experiences whereas Jerry Sabatini has been upped to SVP of Brand Creative, Global Products and Experiences.
The promotions come as the worldwide merchandise and experiences group continues to develop Lionsgate’s iconic franchises with theme park sights, stay exhibits, video video games, client merchandise and extra. The studio not too long ago introduced that it’s going to open its fourth Las Vegas attraction later this yr, the John Wick Experience, in a partnership with immersive leisure district AREA15. In addition, La La Land in Concert marked its sixth yr of touring worldwide as Lionsgate expands this beloved property, with a Broadway musical adaptation within the works from Emmy and Tony Award-winning producer Marc Platt. Lionsgate additionally has The Hunger Games stage play within the works in London.
Rogers will proceed to supervise manufacturing and operations for the division, managing initiatives together with video games, location-based leisure, and Web 3, stay stage and immersive experiences. He is at the moment prepping the London debut of The Paddington Bear Experience, a 26K-square-foot immersive expertise which is able to open later this yr. Rogers beforehand labored on Lionsgate’s Motiongate Theme Park in Dubai, Entertainment World in Zhuhai, China and The Hunger Games: The Exhibition in Las Vegas. Most not too long ago, he helped launch two Roblox experiences: Academy Adventures offered by The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and Saw X: Survive the Obby, which made Lionsgate the first studio in Roblox to supply a focused age 17+ expertise. Rogers beforehand served as VP of Production and Operations, Global Products and Experiences.
In his new position, Sabatini will proceed to guide model inventive for the group’s myriad initiatives, growing inventive supplies for high franchise titles and upcoming theatrical characteristic releases. Priority initiatives embody The Paddington Bear Experience and franchise asset improvement for Borderlands, scheduled for an August launch. Sabatini beforehand performed an integral position within the launch of Lionsgate’s 4 Las Vegas sights, the aforementioned theme parks and the Saw X-themed haunted homes that launched in a number of Six Flags places throughout the U.S in 2023. He additionally led the event of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes merchandise and memorabilia collections with Shop the Scenes. Prior to his present position, Sabatini served as VP of Brand Creative, Global Products and Experiences.
“Gene and Jerry have played an integral role in the expansion of our group as we continue to find new and innovative ways to bring Lionsgate’s signature franchises to fans around the world,” mentioned Jenefer Brown, Executive Vice President & Head of Global Products and Experiences at Lionsgate. “Gene and Jerry’s creativity, determination and passion for our brands have made them assets to our team and I can’t wait to watch them continue to excel in their new roles.”
Last yr on the international field workplace, Lionsgate posted its first billion-dollar soak up 5 years ($1.05B). The studio continued to increase and increase its potent franchises, releasing three profitable new installments with John Wick: Chapter 4 ($187.1M U.S., $440M WW), The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes ($322.7M) and Saw X ($111M WW). The extremely anticipated reboot of The Crow is ready for launch this yr on June 7.