‘Gangs of London,’ ‘American Honey’ Producer Benski Launches Talent, IP Outfit Lumina

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As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for the dynamic world of media and entertainment, I can’t help but be intrigued by the ambitious venture of Thomas Benski, the mastermind behind Lumina. With a rich background in producing critically acclaimed works like ‘Gangs of London’, ‘American Honey’, and ‘The Witch’, it’s no surprise that he’s ready to shake up the industry yet again.

Thomas Benski, one of the co-founders of Pulse Films and producer behind hit shows like “Gangs of London,” “American Honey,” and “The Witch,” has introduced his latest project: Lumina, a versatile company with bases in London, New York, Paris, and Los Angeles that operates across international borders.

The company is referred to as a “media group focused on talent and intellectual property,” and it has secured “tens of millions” in funding from initial investors such as Magnus Rausing’s BFK, Charles Dorfman’s Dorfman Media Holdings, and SVS Holdings.

According to Benski, the ever-changing media environment presents a perfect opportunity for us to establish forward-thinking businesses. Leveraging our extensive background, we’re constructing for today with an eye towards shaping tomorrow,” says the paraphrased statement.

The team plans to prioritize talent-centric studios, production of kids and family content, and consumer brands. Lumina has previously collaborated with Carrousel Studios, a venture initiated by Benski alongside European star Omar Sy (known for ‘Lupin’) and Louis Leterrier, director of ‘Fast X’, as well as Yann Demange’s Wayward Films (’71’, ‘Top Boy’). In the realm of children’s entertainment, Lumina supports gaming studio Creators Corp. and kids intellectual property business Strike. The consumer sector is backing brands such as Metie and DAACI. Lumina’s collection will feature a versatile film studio, Magna Studios, led by Marisa Clifford and Davud Karbassioun, with the goal of producing content that spans branded content, documentaries, and scripted works.

In this partnership, Omar Sy, co-founder of Carrousel, expressed that Louis and Thomas presented a significant chance for us to establish a daring business centered around talent. He added that their investment not only provides capital but also a strategic and operational mindset which equips artists like us with the necessary resources and know-how to seize opportunities during a time when talent is frequently overlooked in reaping the long-term benefits of projects’ success.

Lumina aims to attain more artistic and financial independence for its backers and collaborators by funding its own film and TV productions. Meanwhile, Benski is leveraging his past success in expanding Pulse into a substantial multi-faceted studio that generated over $150 million in revenue prior to his departure in 2021.

With bold aspirations, Lumina stated its intention to turn a profit during its initial year of business, generating over $55 million in total group revenue. Moreover, they’ve commenced the production of their inaugural intellectual property and long-form projects, which are set to be unveiled soon and will debut early next year.

Magnus Rausing of BFK, one of Lumina’s investors, stated: “Lumina’s extensive expertise in investment and business management makes them an ideal foundation for pioneering a fresh strategy. This approach not only nurtures talent to develop and retain valuable intellectual property but also stimulates innovation throughout their companies – creatively, strategically, and technologically. I sought a means to establish a presence in the media and entertainment sector, and I believe that Lumina is the perfect platform due to its innovative model. I’m thrilled to contribute to their growth and help them become a significant force within this ecosystem.

Benski stated that with content being crucial in today’s world, he is convinced that talent, brands, and intellectual property are key amplifiers. His theory proposes that there lies a significant chance to separate the process of creating IP by establishing studios and production companies centered around prominent talent.

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2024-12-02 11:24