Artists Equity, the film and television company launched by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, has appointed veteran producer and executive Amy Baer as its new president of film and television.
Baer, who recently stepped down as president of Gidden Media after more than a decade at the helm, will now report directly to Affleck and Dillon West, the studio’s co-founder, chief executive officer and chief operating officer.
With a career spanning more than thirty years, Baer brings extensive experience across major studios and independent production. She has worked across an array of critically and commercially successful titles such as The Apprentice, Las Vegas, Mary Shelley, Brian Banks and the Netflix hit Purple Hearts.
During her tenure as president of Landline Pictures, Baer oversaw projects including Jerry & Marge Go Large and the forthcoming comedy The Best Is Yet to Come. Before establishing Gidden Media in 2012, she launched CBS Films, serving as its president and CEO for four years. Prior to that, she spent 17 years at Sony Pictures, where she was instrumental in shaping productions including Moneyball, The Pursuit of Happyness, Adaptation, Something’s Gotta Give and The Holiday.
Announcing the appointment, Affleck praised Baer’s industry expertise. “Amy is a world-class executive and producer whose track record speaks for itself,” Affleck said in a statement. “She brings a wealth of experience, not only in leadership roles at major studios, including our valued partner in Sony Pictures, but also as a successful independent producer, building a deep understanding of the evolving industry landscape.”
Affleck added, “Throughout her career, she has championed work that balances creative integrity with commercial success. Our goal at Artists Equity has always been to empower talent, and Amy is a perfect fit to represent our principles while expanding our vision for film and television.”
As part of her new role, Baer will oversee Artists Equity’s expanding production slate. The studio has already built momentum with titles such as Air, The Instigators, The Accountant 2, Unstoppable and Small Things Like These. Upcoming releases include The Rip, Animals and Kiss of the Spider Woman.
“Artists Equity has quickly distinguished itself as a leading home for resonant, artist-driven storytelling, pioneering a bold new model for the future of our industry,” said Baer. “I am thrilled to join Ben, Matt, and the rest of the team as we build the company’s next chapter, centering creative voices to make films and television series that connect with audiences worldwide.”
The appointment comes at a time when Artists Equity is strengthening its position within the industry. Earlier this year, the studio entered into a three-year deal with Sony Pictures, which will finance and manage global theatrical distribution for Artists Equity’s films.
