Imax Appoints Jonathan Fischer, A Veteran Of Netflix, Illumination And New Regency, As Chief Content Officer

Imax has named Jonathan Fischer, who has held senior-level executive posts at Netflix, Illumination and New Regency, as its Chief Content Officer.

In his new role, Fischer will oversee Imax’s content strategy across Hollywood and international films, as well as Imax’s documentaries and live events. Originals and experiences in music, gaming and sports will also be part of his purview.

Fischer’s arrival comes about 18 months after the departure of Megan Colligan, a former studio exec who steered content initiatives for Imax and rose to the post of president during a nearly 5-year run.

Imax has prospered in recent months as the box office has reawakened, particularly with blockbuster titles like Deadpool & Wolverine. Shares in Imax have risen more than 20% in 2024 to date. The latest creative feather in the company’s cap arrived earlier this week when Deadline broke the news that Christopher Nolan was re-teaming with Imax and Universal on his followup to Oppenheimer.

Based in the company’s office in the Playa Vista neighborhood of L.A., Fischer will report to CEO Rich Gelfond. The official announcement also noted that Gelfond will continue to oversee IMAX Entertainment.

Fischer and Chief Marketing Officer Anne Globe will jointly manage the company’s relationships with filmmakers, studios, talent and agencies. Globe will continue to report directly to Gelfond and oversee day-to-day operations of the company’s Playa Vista office.

“Imax is opening its aperture to offer a greater, more diverse content portfolio to audiences worldwide — including more than 100 different awe-inspiring experiences across Hollywood and international films, documentaries, music, sports, and gaming in 2024 alone,” Gelfond said. “Jonathan brings a wealth of proven experience that will be critical as more filmmakers and artists than ever seek to create for our platform.”

Fischer expressed his enthusiasm about joining Imax. He said the company “gives audiences the most immersive entertainment experience, and I look forward to working with new and existing partners alike to bring even more great content to our fans.”

Along with managing Imax’s content portfolio, Fischer will help develop new sources of content from artists and IP owners across the creative landscape. He will oversee a team that includes the distribution, post-production and documentary divisions, and will also team with colleagues on new business initiatives.

At Netflix, Fischer ran the strategy and finance teams for the global film unit. He developed the group’s data-backed greenlight process and participated in talent negotiations and dealmaking.

Prior to Netflix, Fischer held leadership roles spanning finance, strategy and operations. He was Chief Operating Officer at both Illumination Entertainment, the storied animation studio behind the Despicable Me franchise, as well as New Regency Entertainment. Among the 140-plus films in New Regency’s catalog are Oscar winners Bohemian Rhapsody and The Revenant.

Fischer also held the posts of President of Groundswell Productions and Chief Financial Officer of indie production outfit Intrepid Pictures. He also worked in business development and strategic planning at Universal Pictures and The Walt Disney Co.