After more than 20 years with Warner Bros., movie exec Sue Kroll is beginning her own banner. A press release announced that the studio’s former President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution has launched Kroll & Co. Entertainment on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank. In her new role Kroll will produce and develop features, television, digital, and more.
Among the films on her docket are the upcoming remake of “A Star Is Born,” starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, crime drama “Motherless Brooklyn,” and the Nicole Kidman-led adaptation of best-seller “The Goldfinch.” Kroll is serving as exec producer on all three projects.
She’ll also produce an untitled Sandra Bullock comedy, an adaptation of the YA dystopian novel “The Selection” with Thea Sharrock attached as director, and sci-fi action thriller “Nemesis.”
“My passion for film and television and for telling great stories is not only the cornerstone of my wonderful career, but has also been a huge part of my life since I was a young girl enthralled by the moving image,” Kroll stressed. “I am excited to be collaborating in this new capacity with amazing, visionary filmmakers, many of whom I have known and worked with, and to also champion new and unique voices. This is just the beginning and I am thrilled about our slate of films and our incredible filmmaking partners.”
Joining Kroll at the new production company is an all-female team: Jennifer Malloy (SVP of Development and Production), Olivia Heighten (Creative Executive), Chelsea Bradshaw (Operations/Production Executive), and Nicole Kraft (administrative assistant).
“Over the years, I have seen Sue in action as one of the most inspired marketing minds in the industry, most recently on the campaign for ‘Ready Player One,’” said Steven Spielberg. “I trust her instincts, appreciate her unflagging devotion to her work, and admire her knowledge of film. I am looking forward to collaborating with her in her new capacity as a producer in the very near future.”
During her tenure as Warner Bros.’ marketing prez, Kroll oversaw films including “Wonder Woman,” “Gravity,” and “Mad Max: Fury Road,” and worked closely with Patty Jenkins, Nancy Meyers, and the Wachowski siblings, among others. Kroll’s marketing strategies netted Warner Bros. a Best Picture Oscar for “Argo,” a Best Animated Feature Oscar for “Happy Feet,” and nine other Best Picture nods.
