Chernin Entertainment has expanded its film division by promoting staff and hiring Marisa Paiva as EVP of film.
Chernin Entertainment, an influential independent film and television producer founded by former News Corp. chairman Peter Chernin, has announced an expansion of its in-house film team. This development was reported exclusively by Variety on September 9, 2026. The changes include significant promotions within the unit and the introduction of a new executive to support the company's growth trajectory.
A notable addition to the team is Marisa Paiva, who has been appointed as the new executive vice president of film. Paiva's extensive background includes a significant tenure at Fox 2000, where she contributed to successful literary adaptations like Water for Elephants and Life of Pi. More recently, she developed the critically acclaimed Hidden Figures and The Woman in the Window. Previously at 3000 Pictures, Paiva has been instrumental in projects such as Lady Chatterley’s Lover for Netflix and is working on Broken Country, which she will executive produce alongside Hello Sunshine.
Alongside Paiva's appointment, Chernin Entertainment has promoted several existing team members to more prominent roles in the film division. Brady Fujikawa has risen to a senior position after serving as the development and production lead. He has overseen noteworthy projects, including the upcoming High Side, featuring Timothée Chalamet, as well as Palm Grove starring Kate Hudson and Ana de Armas. Samantha Nisenboim has been promoted to senior vice president of film, bringing her producer experience from projects like The Lego Batman Movie and The Tomorrow War. Max Gains has also been promoted to creative executive, having previously worked on films like Deadpool & Wolverine.
This expansion comes in a year marked by significant successes for Chernin’s film unit, which has seen wins both in theaters with films like Backrooms and on streaming platforms with The Last House on Netflix. Under the leadership of movies chief David Ready, the unit aims to build upon its strong foundation to develop a robust slate of upcoming projects. Ready expressed confidence in the new team, stating that the executives are "smart, relentless, deeply connected and driven by great material."
The company also recently secured a multi-year, first-look feature film deal with Apple Studios, signaling a strategic push toward collaborative high-profile productions. Moreover, the acquisition of Chernin's parent company, The North Road Company, by Mediawan illustrates ongoing efforts to establish strong creative hubs across multiple continents.
The expansion of Chernin Entertainment's film team is a strategic move aimed at capitalizing on recent successes and further scaling the company’s film portfolio. With experienced executives in new roles, the studio appears poised to enhance its competitive edge in both theatrical and streaming markets as it seeks to create compelling content. For fans and industry observers, this development indicates a continued commitment to producing diverse and high-quality films, reflecting Chernin's reputation in the entertainment landscape.
For more updates on major entertainment developments, check out our coverage on Nathan Lane to Receive Visionary Award at Virginia Film Festival and New ‘Italian Job’ Movie in the Works at Paramount.
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