Thomas Augsberger, the producer, international film consultant, former Lionsgate board member and founder of Eden Rock Media, has died. He was 60.
Augsberger passed away suddenly at his home in the Hollywood Hills on Tuesday, members of his family told The Hollywood Reporter.
The German-born and trained attorney was best known as the long-time consultant and North American representative for Herbert Kloiber‘s German mini-major Tele Muenchen Group (TMG). When Leonine acquired TMG in 2019, Augsberger continued to advise the company on film projects and acquisitions.
Over more than 2 decades, Augsberger acquired hundreds of film and TV projects for the German market from producers, sales agents, and studios, making him one of the most important figures on the independent scene. He helped secure pre-buys of Marvel’s Iron Man, Summit Entertainment’s Twilight and Lionsgate’s John Wick and Hunger Games franchises, including the recent prequel The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, as well as the upcoming John Wick spin-off Ballerina. For the small screen, Augsberger licensed German-speaking rights for such hit series such as Flashpoint, The Night Manager and Anger Management.
Augsberger and Kloiber bonded over their shared love of opera — Augsberger was a trained opera singer — and their passion for a deal. He also oversaw TMG investments in the U.S. including, in 1999, the Munich group’s preferred equity investment in Lionsgate Entertainment and the acquisition of the Mutual Film Library in 2006. He served on the board of Lionsgate from 2002-2004.
“Thomas was wholly unique and a special colleague in our business, so many great memories created during 30 years of friendship,” said Lionsgate’s Joe Drake. “Always thoughtful, articulate, tough and deeply human – that was his super power. No surprise that he is so loved and has so many friends. He will be deeply missed and our…
Read the full article here
