Brian Tetsuro Ivie (born September 27, 1990 in Glendale, California) is a Japanese-American filmmaker, film producer and documentarian.[1][2] He is the youngest active producer for Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media empire.[3] Ivie is most well-known for his documentary film, Emanuel, which tells the story of the 2015 Charleston church shooting, which took the lives of nine innocent African Americans.[4] The film was produced by Viola Davis and Mariska Hargitay, & by NBA star Stephen Curry.[5]
Brian Tetsuro Ivie | |
|---|---|
 Ivie on set in 2022. | |
| Born | Brian Tetsuro Ivie September 27, 1990 |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | USC School of Cinematic Arts |
| Known for | Documentary, producing, film |
| Notable work |
|
| Spouse | Amanda Ivie (m. 2015) |
| Children | Hadden Ivie |
| Website | briantetsuroivie |
Career
editIvie studied film and television at the University of Southern California, where he also began producing his first documentary feature, The Drop Box, the story of a South Korean pastor, who rescues children through a small "hatch" built into the wall of his home.[6] The film was later released by Fathom Events, grossing over $3 million in just four nights.[7]
After graduation, Ivie signed to Creative Artists Agency, and would go on to produce and direct Emanuel, the story of forgiveness following a mass shooting, along with executive producers Viola Davis, Mariska Hargitay, and Stephen Curry, & release it to critical acclaim[8] on the fourth anniversary of the shooting.[9] The film made its television debut on Starz.[10] Ivie is a frequent collaborator of actor and producer John Shepherd of the Friday the 13th horror franchise.[11]
In 2019, it was announced that Ivie would write the Kirk Franklin biopic for producer Devon Franklin and Sony Pictures.[12]
In 2021, Ivie joined Stephen Curry's Unanimous Media as an in-house creative producer, overseeing film, television, and documentary projects for worldwide distribution.[13] In October 2021, Ivie and Unanimous released the documentary short film, Cancer Alley. The film, which tells the story of the most contaminated place in America and those who live there, was awarded a Vimeo Staff Pick, along with a Nowness Pick for the month of October. A feature film is underway with Stephen Curry executive producing.[14]
In March 2022, it was announced that Ivie would co-executive produce, The Queen of Basketball, alongside Curry and fellow USC alum Ben Proudfoot.[15] The sports-themed film, also executive produced by Shaquille O'Neal, was awarded the 2022 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film.[16]
In September 2023, it was announced that Ivie had executive-produced the narrative drama, Wildcat, a biopic directed by Ethan Hawke, and starring Maya Hawke and Laura Linney, among others.[17] The film made its world premiere at the 2023 Telluride Film Festival.[18]
Personal life
editIvie, who is half-Japanese, was raised in Orange County, California and began making movies at a young age.[19] His grandmother, Marian Tanabe, formerly Umeda, was interned at the Rohwer War Relocation Center during World War II.[20] Ivie is a devout non-denominational Christian and his work often reflects his beliefs.[21]
References
edit- ^ Aten, Jamie. "Perspective | New documentary on Charleston church shooting explores idea of forgiveness". Washington Post. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
- ^ "'The Drop Box': Film Radiates Christian Love From Dark Subject of Abandoned Babies". www.christianpost.com. 9 February 2015. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
- ^ "Stephen Curry's Unanimous Media Bolsters Film, TV Production Team". The Hollywood Reporter. 2021-03-16. Retrieved 2021-03-16.
- ^ Ali, Rasha. "Five years after Charleston church massacre: How 'Emanuel' reveals the power of forgiveness". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
- ^ "Emanuel: a poignant documentary on the Charleston church massacre". The Guardian. 2019-10-09. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
- ^ "O.C. film major documents the child-saving "The Drop Box" project in South Korea". Orange County Register. 2015-05-17. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
- ^ "Faith-Based Doc 'The Drop Box' Gets Encore Screening in 400-Plus Theaters | Hollywood Reporter". www.hollywoodreporter.com. 11 March 2015. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
- ^ "'Emanuel': Film Review | Hollywood Reporter". www.hollywoodreporter.com. 12 June 2019. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
- ^ ""Emanuel" documentary in theaters on 4 year anniversary". ABC Columbia. 2019-06-17. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
- ^ "New On Starz August 2020". Decider. 2020-05-01. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
- ^ "Actor Spotlight: John Shepherd (Tommy Jarvis, A New Beginning)". Friday The 13th: The Franchise. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
- ^ N'Duka, Amanda (2019-07-17). "Gospel Singer Kirk Franklin Biopic In Works From Sony, Producer DeVon Franklin". Deadline. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2021-03-16). "Unanimous Media Promotes Jenelle Lindsay To Film & TV EVP, Hires Brian Tetsuro Ivie As Creative Producer". Deadline. Retrieved 2021-03-16.
- ^ Donnelly, Matt (2021-10-05). "Steph Curry's Unanimous Media, Sypher Studios to Produce Documentary 'Cancer Alley' from Brian Tetsuro Ivie". Variety. Retrieved 2021-10-10.
- ^ Feinberg, Scott (2022-03-09). "Steph Curry Joins Shaquille O'Neal as EP of Oscar-Nominated Short 'The Queen of Basketball' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2022-03-25.
- ^ "Shaq, Steph win Oscars for 'Queen of Basketball'". ESPN.com. 2022-03-28. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
- ^ Debruge, Peter (2023-09-02). "'Wildcat' Review: Maya Hawke Embodies Not Just Flannery O'Connor but the Spirit of Her Characters". Variety. Retrieved 2023-09-06.
- ^ "Ethan and Maya Hawke and Laura Linney on the Ambitious, Lyrical Family Project of Wildcat". Vanity Fair. 2023-09-02. Retrieved 2023-09-06.
- ^ Stories, Local (14 April 2021). "Rising Stars: Meet Brian Tetsuro Ivie - Voyage LA Magazine | LA City Guide". voyagela.com. Retrieved 2023-02-27.
- ^ "NARA - AAD - Series Description - Records About Japanese Americans Relocated During World War II, created, 1988 - 1989, documenting the period 1942 - 1946". aad.archives.gov. Retrieved 2023-02-27.
- ^ Chew, Cassie (2019-06-17). "Urban Faith Q&A with EMANUEL Director Brian Ivie". Urban Faith. Retrieved 2020-08-22.