A Distinguished Team of
Industry Veterans and Visionaries
Lighthouse Media Fund is a $325 million private equity fund dedicated to revitalizing the film industry by producing high-quality, story-driven films that captivate audiences around the world and developing a world-class movie studio in Arizona.
With a legacy rooted in success, we bring decades of experience and a commitment to excellence to every project we undertake.
Our mission is to deliver superior tax-advantaged risk-adjusted returns to our investors by funding films that blend artistic integrity with commercial appeal and by establishing cutting-edge production facilities that support the future of filmmaking.
The Visionaries Behind
Lighthouse Media Fund
At the heart of Lighthouse Media Fund is a team of seasoned professionals who bring unparalleled expertise in film finance, production, studio operations and distribution.
Our leadership team has a proven track record of creating iconic, award-winning films that have left a lasting impact on the industry and developing market-significant studio facilities around the world.
Their collective experience and passion for storytelling drive our success and ensure that every investment is managed with precision and care.
What We Value
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Meet The Experts Behind The Lighthouse Media Fund
Founder
Matthew George
Matthew George serves as the Founder of Lighthouse Media Fund and the President of Castle Rock Entertainment, bringing his extensive expertise and visionary leadership to the forefront of this new venture.
Under his leadership, George spearheaded the effort to raise a $175 million film fund in 2021 to relaunch Castle Rock Entertainment, solidifying its reputation as a storied entertainment company. With a portfolio boasting a myriad of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, George brings both executive acumen and deep-seated filmmaking expertise to his role at Lighthouse Media Fund.
George is committed not just to the business side but also to the art of filmmaking. With his roots in Australia, his extensive experience in Hollywood, and a career that spans continents, George brings a global perspective to his work, always keen on pushing the boundaries of storytelling and production. His successful career in the film industry underscores the impact one can have with a unique blend of creativity, leadership, and business acumen.
As the Founder of Lighthouse Media Fund, Matthew George continues to set a high bar for quality and innovation, making him an indelible figure in the world of film and entertainment. His vision for the fund is to produce high-quality, story-driven films that captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring superior risk-adjusted returns for investors while upholding the legacy of excellence that defines Castle Rock Entertainment.
Head Of Business Affairs
Johnathan Fuhrman
Johnathan Fuhrman is an accomplished film producer based in Los Angeles, CA, with extensive experience in film production and business affairs. In November 2021, Fuhrman joined Rob Reiner's rebooted Castle Rock Films as its Executive Vice President and Head of Business Affairs, bringing his vast industry knowledge and strategic acumen to the legendary studio.
Before his tenure at Castle Rock, Fuhrman spent eight years at Thunder Road Films, the studio behind blockbuster franchises such as "John Wick" and "Sicario." At Thunder Road, he served as Co-President of Production for Asbury Park Pictures, a boutique action label, and as Executive Vice President of Business Affairs. Fuhrman's impressive filmography includes critically acclaimed projects such as "Wind River," "Greenland," "Bruised," "A Private War," "Hotel Mumbai," "National Champions," "The Informer," and "Voyagers." His upcoming projects feature high-profile films like "Black Site," "The Contractor," "Kandahar," "Monkey Man," "Trigger Warning," and "Text for You."
Fuhrman's career began at The Weinstein Company, where he served as Vice President and contributed to the success of notable films like "Halloween" (2007), "The Reader" (2008), and "Nine" (2009). He also worked at the Associated Press, where he spearheaded digital streaming content initiatives, showcasing his versatility in managing both creative and business aspects of the media industry.
Born in New York, NY, Fuhrman is a graduate of Rutgers College, The Leonard N. Stern School of Business at NYU, and Fordham School of Law. His diverse educational background and professional experience make him a valuable asset to the Lighthouse Media Fund.
As the Head of Business Affairs at Lighthouse Media Fund, Johnathan Fuhrman leverages his extensive experience in film production and business affairs to guide the fund's strategic direction. His proven track record of managing successful film projects and securing high-profile partnerships ensures that Lighthouse Media Fund remains at the forefront of the film industry, producing high-quality, story-driven films that captivate audiences and generate superior returns for investors.
Chief Financial Officer
Hernan Narea
Hernan Narea serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Lighthouse Media Fund, bringing his extensive financial expertise and strategic acumen to this innovative venture.
Narea is a seasoned financial executive with extensive experience in the entertainment industry. As Chief Financial Officer of Castle Rock Entertainment, he has managed the company's financial strategy and operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and supporting sustainable growth
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Narea's expertise has been crucial in guiding Castle Rock Entertainment through significant milestones, including the revitalization of the company in 2021 with a $175 million film fund and a first-look deal with Warner Bros. His strategic financial planning and deep understanding of the industry's economics have helped position Castle Rock for continued success.
Before joining Castle Rock, Hernan Narea held key financial roles in major entertainment firms, where he developed a reputation for his analytical skills and strategic insights. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and his commitment to excellence make him a vital part of the Lighthouse Media Fund leadership team.
As the Chief Financial Officer of Lighthouse Media Fund, Hernan Narea's dedication to financial integrity and his strategic vision ensure that the fund remains financially robust and poised for future growth. His expertise in financial strategy and operations is pivotal in driving the success of Lighthouse Media Fund, providing investors with confidence in the fund's fiscal health and growth potential.
Studio Operations
Britt Penrod
Britt Penrod serves as President of Giant Entertainment and Management Inc., a California Corporation founded in 2013, providing development and operations services for international film and television studio properties.
Author of long-term business plans across eighteen markets and twelve countries; market analysis, trends, service sectors, operational requirements, programming, site planning, complex financial modeling, design and construction consulting, and project management for multi-national media conglomerates, independent studio owners, shareholders, financial institutions, and government agencies.
Physical development totaling more than $1b USD; over seventy construction soundstages, two million square feet of office and support space, thirteen studio properties in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, Hungary, Indonesia and Singapore.
Executive oversight for studio policies, procedures, job descriptions, staffing, training, evaluations, studio services, and annual operating budgets for properties in California (Hollywood, Manhattan Beach, Playa Vista); Louisiana (Baton Rouge); Hungary (Budapest); UK (Windsor); and China (Wuxi, Shanghai).
Contract negotiations with multi-national media conglomerates for leasing of real property, labor, equipment. and services, including contracts with ABC/Disney, Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures/CBS, Amazon Studios, Fox Entertainment, Warner Brothers, and numerous others. In addition, negotiations to secure strategic international service partnerships, for lighting, post-production, transportation, power and distribution, FFandE, and more
Head Of Business Affairs
Johnathan Fuhrman
Johnathan Fuhrman is an accomplished film producer based in Los Angeles, CA, with extensive experience in film production and business affairs. In November 2021, Fuhrman joined Rob Reiner's rebooted Castle Rock Films as its Executive Vice President and Head of Business Affairs, bringing his vast industry knowledge and strategic acumen to the legendary studio.
Before his tenure at Castle Rock, Fuhrman spent eight years at Thunder Road Films, the studio behind blockbuster franchises such as "John Wick" and "Sicario." At Thunder Road, he served as Co-President of Production for Asbury Park Pictures, a boutique action label, and as Executive Vice President of Business Affairs. Fuhrman's impressive filmography includes critically acclaimed projects such as "Wind River," "Greenland," "Bruised," "A Private War," "Hotel Mumbai," "National Champions," "The Informer," and "Voyagers." His upcoming projects feature high-profile films like "Black Site," "The Contractor," "Kandahar," "Monkey Man," "Trigger Warning," and "Text for You."
Fuhrman's career began at The Weinstein Company, where he served as Vice President and contributed to the success of notable films like "Halloween" (2007), "The Reader" (2008), and "Nine" (2009). He also worked at the Associated Press, where he spearheaded digital streaming content initiatives, showcasing his versatility in managing both creative and business aspects of the media industry.
Born in New York, NY, Fuhrman is a graduate of Rutgers College, The Leonard N. Stern School of Business at NYU, and Fordham School of Law. His diverse educational background and professional experience make him a valuable asset to the Lighthouse Media Fund.
As the Head of Business Affairs at Lighthouse Media Fund, Johnathan Fuhrman leverages his extensive experience in film production and business affairs to guide the fund's strategic direction. His proven track record of managing successful film projects and securing high-profile partnerships ensures that Lighthouse Media Fund remains at the forefront of the film industry, producing high-quality, story-driven films that captivate audiences and generate superior returns for investors.
Board Chairman
Derrick Rossi
Derrick J. Rossi is a renowned stem cell biologist and entrepreneur, celebrated for co-founding Moderna. Time magazine named Dr. Rossi as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the world in 2011. With a distinguished career in both scientific research and business, Dr. Rossi brings a unique and innovative perspective to the Lighthouse Media Fund.
Dr. Rossi's extensive background in biotechnology and his entrepreneurial ventures demonstrate his ability to navigate complex industries and drive successful outcomes. His leadership in founding Moderna, which developed groundbreaking mRNA-based therapies and vaccines, showcases his strategic vision and expertise in managing large-scale projects and securing significant funding.
In addition to Moderna, Dr. Rossi co-founded Intellia Therapeutics, Magenta Therapeutics, and Stelexis Therapeutics, all of which focus on pioneering new treatments and advancing medical research. His ability to translate cutting-edge scientific discoveries into commercially successful enterprises underscores his exceptional skills in innovation, strategic planning, and risk management.
Dr. Rossi's experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing high-stakes projects directly translates to the film industry, where creativity, strategic vision, and effective resource management are crucial. His track record of turning visionary ideas into reality aligns with Lighthouse Media Fund's mission to produce high-quality, story-driven films that captivate audiences worldwide.
As a board member of Lighthouse Media Fund, Dr. Rossi's expertise in securing funding, navigating regulatory landscapes, and managing complex projects will be instrumental in guiding the fund's financial and operational strategies. His innovative approach and strategic insights will help ensure that the fund remains at the forefront of the film industry, delivering superior returns for investors while producing films that resonate with global audiences.
Studio Operations
Britt Penrod
Britt Penrod serves as President of Giant Entertainment and Management Inc., a California Corporation founded in 2013, providing development and operations services for international film and television studio properties.
Author of long-term business plans across eighteen markets and twelve countries; market analysis, trends, service sectors, operational requirements, programming, site planning, complex financial modeling, design and construction consulting, and project management for multi-national media conglomerates, independent studio owners, shareholders, financial institutions, and government agencies.
Physical development totaling more than $1b USD; over seventy construction soundstages, two million square feet of office and support space, thirteen studio properties in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, Hungary, Indonesia and Singapore.
Executive oversight for studio policies, procedures, job descriptions, staffing, training, evaluations, studio services, and annual operating budgets for properties in California (Hollywood, Manhattan Beach, Playa Vista); Louisiana (Baton Rouge); Hungary (Budapest); UK (Windsor); and China (Wuxi, Shanghai).
Contract negotiations with multi-national media conglomerates for leasing of real property, labor, equipment. and services, including contracts with ABC/Disney, Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures/CBS, Amazon Studios, Fox Entertainment, Warner Brothers, and numerous others. In addition, negotiations to secure strategic international service partnerships, for lighting, post-production, transportation, power and distribution, FFandE, and more.