In a significant move for the film industry, Protagonist Pictures has elevated Alice Vail to the pivotal position of head of acquisitions and development. This strategic promotion highlights Protagonist Pictures’ ongoing commitment to nurturing creative talent and strengthening its global presence. The announcement of Vail’s new role coincides with several internal promotions and the addition of a new team member, underscoring the company’s dynamic growth and strategic vision.
Alice Vail’s New Role and Vision
Alice Vail, formerly the director of acquisitions and development, will now lead Protagonist Pictures’ strategy for acquiring content. Her responsibilities include overseeing the company’s development projects and fostering relationships with filmmakers and producers worldwide. Before her tenure at Protagonist Pictures, Vail was the development editor at Number 9 Films, contributing to both film and TV projects. Her career began at Casarotto Ramsay & Associates, where she collaborated with various writers and directors.
“Alice has been instrumental in shaping Protagonist’s acquisitions and development strategy, consistently identifying bold, distinctive voices and projects that resonate on the global stage,” stated CEO Dave Bishop. “Her elevation to head of acquisitions and development is a natural next step, and I’m excited to see her continue to drive our creative vision and champion filmmaker partnerships worldwide.”
Key Internal Promotions
Alongside Alice Vail’s promotion, Protagonist Pictures has announced several other key appointments within the company. Katie McGovern has been promoted to director of technical operations, Leni Jaeger to publicity and festivals manager, Axelle Van Aerde to executive, production finance, and Max Mepsted to sales coordinator. Additionally, Klementina Gjoka has joined the company as a management accountant. These changes reflect Protagonist Pictures’ commitment to cultivating talent and bolstering leadership across all departments.
Festival Season Highlights
The promotions come on the heels of a successful festival season for Protagonist Pictures, with significant premieres including Philippa Lowthorpe’s “H is for Hawk” at Telluride, Mark Jenkin’s “Rose of Nevada” at Venice, TIFF, and NYFF, and Brian Cox’s “Glenrothan” at TIFF. The company also celebrated the premiere of its first in-house production, “The Man in My Basement,” directed by Nadia Latif and starring Corey Hawkins and Willem Dafoe, at TIFF and NYIFF.
“We are thrilled to recognise and reward the exceptional talent and commitment of our team with these well-deserved promotions,” Bishop added. “Each of them has played a vital role in shaping Protagonist’s continued success and momentum. With our colours flying high on the festival circuit this fall, and with our first in-house production premiering at TIFF, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate the strength and depth of our team as we build towards an exciting year ahead.”
