MSR Media announced today that Nick Royak has been appointed to the company, with immediate effect, in the newly created role of Vice President of Development. Royak will oversee the development of feature film material submitted to the company as well as internally initiated projects and take a leading role in the creative decisions reporting to MSR Media's Producer, Philippe Martinez. Additionally, he will make an active contribution to the studio's sales slate and distribution strategy as the company continues to expand its global footprint, reporting to MSR Media International CEO Karinne Behr.

"We are excited to welcome Nick to our team. At MSR Media, we pride ourselves on having a closely-knit group of exceptionally talented people that drive the company’s production and sales activities, and Nick will fit right in. His creative vision and proven production expertise will be an undeniable asset for us,” said Martinez.

"Nick’s experience and deep knowledge of the North American and international markets gives him a unique advantage to understand the needs of our distributors and the type of projects that will drive the worldwide marketplace.  As we expand our global activities, his input will be invaluable,” continued Behr.

Nick Royak has worked in distribution and production throughout the first decade of his career. He recently held the position of Senior Acquisitions Manager at Gravitas Ventures, where he acquired over 200 titles, including Foster Boy, executive produced by Shaquille O'Neal, HotDocs Audience Choice winner The Walrus and The Whistleblower, and sci-fi indie hit Cosmos. Before his acquisition’s role, Royak was International Sales and Business Development Manager, working alongside Gravitas Ventures President Michael Murphy, as one of the company’s key sales executives at international markets around the world.

"The act of storytelling, the kind that comes from a deep-rooted, artist driven source, has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The opportunity to join a studio like MSR Media, that represents decades worth of that craft, is beyond thrilling. I am deeply grateful for the time I had to work with the entire team at Gravitas Ventures and now look forward to contributing to MSR Media's mission of launching ambitiously creative projects for a global audience. We will find great stories, and we will make sure you all see them," said Royak.

MSR Media recently announced their new comedy feature film One Year Off that will shoot on the Island of Nevis as part of a four-picture commitment to shoot in the Caribbean.  The film, that commences principal photography later this month is directed by Brad Watson (Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop) and written by Kate Wood (Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop), Martinez (Father Christmas is Back), and Stewart Thomson (BBC’s show “The Break”) from an original idea by Martinez. Casting is underway for the ensemble comedy.

In 2020, MSR Media successfully completed production of two movies during Covid restrictions in the UK – the family comedy Father Christmas is Back, starring Liz Hurley, Kelsey Grammer, and John Cleese, and the family adventure Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop, starring Nathalie Cox and Kelsey Grammer. Both films were produced by Martinez and Alan Latham from Highfield Grange Studios. The films’ financial partner was Kirsty Bell from Goldfinch, who serves as Executive Producer alongside Lee Beasley and Karinne Behr from MSR Media. Also, in 2020 Gravitas Ventures released MSR Media’s My Dad’s Christmas Date starring Jeremy Piven. 

Photo credit Zach Popik