Oscar-winning producer Emma Thomas and Warner Bros executive Kevin McCormick have been elected as co-chairs of the Motion Picture & Television Fund board of directors, effective immediately. They succeed longtime chair Jim Gianopulos, who steps down after nine years but remains on the board. The leadership change comes as the nonprofit navigates industry challenges.
Leadership Transition
The Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF), a key nonprofit supporting entertainment industry workers since 1921, has new leadership at its helm. Emma Thomas, known for producing Oscar-winning films like Oppenheimer, and Kevin McCormick, Warner Bros Pictures EVP and Senior Advisor, were elected co-chairs of the MPTF board. This move replaces Jim Gianopulos, former studio chief at Fox and Paramount, who led the board through turbulent times including COVID-19, industry strikes, and recent Los Angeles fires.
Gianopulos, who joined the board 20 years ago, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. "It’s been a real honor for me to lead the board of MPTF for nine years, and I feel it’s time to hand the baton over," he said. "There couldn’t be two more thoughtful, passionate, and enthusiastic supporters of MPTF than Emma and Kevin."
Background on New Co-Chairs
Thomas has been an MPTF board member since 2018 and currently co-chairs the Social Services Governing Body, which handles financial assistance. She and her husband, director Christopher Nolan, are major philanthropists for the organization; Nolan serves on the MPTF board of governors. Thomas highlighted the fund's vital role: "Since 1921, MPTF has been a lifeline for our industry’s workers when they have fallen on hard times... It is an immense privilege to take on this new role with Kevin during a period which will no doubt bring new and harder challenges."
McCormick brings 35 years of involvement with MPTF, including co-chairing the Social Services body and founding its fundraising event, Reel Stories, Real Lives. Initially unfamiliar with the organization's full scope, he now champions its services from childcare to geriatric care. "Thanks to [Roddy McDowell], I can’t imagine being part of this industry without being part of MPTF," McCormick stated.
MPTF's Mission and Outlook
MPTF President and CEO Bob Beitcher praised the transition. "Our organization has been so blessed to have Jim guiding the board through a very rocky period... With Emma’s and Kevin’s fierce advocacy for MPTF’s mission of ‘taking care of our own,’ we are preparing to tackle all of the challenges posed by a rapidly changing industry."
The nonprofit provides essential support like financial aid, housing, and wellness services to film and TV professionals in need.
