Toby Emmerich has joined Infrared, FilmNation Entertainment’s production label, as a consultant, extending a working relationship recently forged on the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios movie I Play Rocky.
The former Warner Bros Motion Picture Group chairman will advise Infrared on the development and production of its slate. The label concentrates on genre movies with the potential to become franchises.
Emmerich will take on the consulting position while continuing to operate Fireside Films and Fireside Television alongside Michele Weiss and Amanda Krentzman. He also currently serves as an adviser to Leawood Films, AMC Theatres’ new film label.
A partnership built on I Play Rocky
The Infrared appointment follows Emmerich and FilmNation’s collaboration on I Play Rocky, directed by Peter Farrelly. The film had its world premiere at TIFF, where it received a strong reception, and is scheduled to arrive in theaters on Nov. 13.
Emmerich’s Fireside Films produced the movie with Christian Baha and Farrelly. FilmNation provided production services and is handling international sales.
Emmerich said the experience helped fuel his enthusiasm for working more closely with the company.
“I loved working with FilmNation on I Play Rocky, and the film wouldn’t have been possible without them!” he said. “Their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to getting great independent films made is incredibly exciting. I can’t wait to jump in with Glen and the Infrared team.”
FilmNation Entertainment CEO Glen Basner pointed to Emmerich’s creative experience and his earlier work at New Line Cinema as key assets for Infrared.
“Having very recently collaborated with Toby, and loving his filmmaking roots from New Line, we’ve seen firsthand how his exceptional creative instincts can turn bold projects into breakout hits,” Basner said. “The Infrared team is thrilled to have him bring that expertise and propulsive energy to an independent genre label, where we can build on our momentum and take it to an entirely new level.”
Infrared’s growing film slate
Emmerich comes aboard as Infrared develops a lineup that includes projects for 20th Century Studios and Sony Pictures.
Among the label’s upcoming releases is Derek Kolstad’s Painter, starring Amber Midthunder and Walton Goggins, for 20th Century Studios. Infrared is also behind JT Mollner’s Skeletons, starring Brie Larson, for Sony Pictures.
The label’s recent releases include Novocaine, directed by Robert Olsen and Dan Berk and starring Jack Quaid.
The consulting role adds another chapter to Emmerich’s work in film following his tenure at Warner Bros Motion Picture Group. After his run as chairman in June 2022, he founded Fireside Films, which secured a first-look deal with the Burbank, California, studio lot. Before becoming chairman of Warner Bros Motion Picture Group, Emmerich served as president and chief operating officer of New Line Cinema.
What Happens Next?
Emmerich will now work with Basner and the Infrared team across the label’s development and production pipeline while maintaining his Fireside operations. The next confirmed theatrical milestone from his recent FilmNation partnership will be the Nov. 13 release of I Play Rocky, while Infrared continues advancing Painter and Skeletons.