Christian Vesper will step down as CEO of Fremantle’s global drama and film, ending a decade-long tenure in which he played a central role in shaping the company’s global scripted strategy. Films made during this period include Bugonia, Pillion, The Chronology of Water, Queer, and Maria.
Fremantle has produced or participated in more than 80 films in the past five years and is scheduled to release his 100th film in 2026. This period has seen significant success, including four Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, five BAFTA Awards, eight Cannes Film Festival awards, and seven Venice Awards, including the Golden Lion.
Mr Vesper leaves Fremantle’s film and drama business “in a good position”, where he played a key role in expanding the company’s scripted reach, particularly through extensive first-look and creative collaborations with global film and TV creators, the company said. These include a partnership with Emma Stone and Dave McCurry’s Fruit Tree Productions; Nevermind Pictures by Kristen Stewart, Dylan Meyer, and Maggie MacLean. Fabra of Pablo and Juan de Dios Larrain. Out-of-body experiences with Rachel Weisz and Polly Stokes. “Nine Hours” by Edward Berger. Sinestra Films by Johan Renck and Michael Parets. Sarah Condon’s Fair Harbor. Me+You Productions by Richard Yee and Krishnendu Majumdar.
As well as Bugonia, Pillion, Queer, Maria and The Chronology of Water, Vesper has also EPed and guided films and series in Fremantle, including Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Luminaries, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl and the upcoming Seance on a Wet Afternoon, directed by Tomas Alfredson, starring Rachel Weisz. Most recently, he worked on the launch of the Fox Network’s revival of “Baywatch.”
Other highlights of Vesper’s tenure include Without Blood (directed by Angelina Jolie and starring Salma Hayek), M. Son of the Century’ (directed by Joe Wright, starring Luca Marinelli), ‘Faceless’ (directed by Tomas Alfredson, starring Frida Gustafsson, Gustav Lind, August Wittgenstein), Cannes Film Festival winners ‘My Father’s Shadow’ and ‘The Listeners’ (directed by Janicja Bravo, starring Rebecca Hall).
Mr Vesper, who joined Fremantle in 2016, was “instrumental in establishing Fremantle as an internationally recognized center of excellence for drama and film”, the company said.
Based in London, he will report to Andrea Scrosati, Group COO and CEO Continental Europe, and will now oversee the Film and Drama division on an interim basis, “working closely with the wider Film and Drama leadership team”.
Director Scrosati said: “I would like to personally thank Christian for his unwavering dedication and contribution to Fremantle over the past 10 years. Under Christian’s direction, we have established a drama and film business that has delivered consistent success and critical acclaim. Our scripted portfolio now extends to our business. Christian is a creative at heart and his vision has helped build the credibility of our shows and films. We appreciate that he wants to focus on new horizons and we all appreciate that.” I wish him the best of luck in the future. ”
Director Vesper said: “After 10 years at Fremantle, I have decided that the time is right to step down from my role as CEO of Film and Drama. I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved together, and the fact that we’re delivering our 100th film this year highlights the progress we’ve made. Fremantle is a great company and has always been.” Over the past 10 years, we have built a dedicated and talented team, and while we will miss them dearly, we are confident that they will take our film and drama business to even greater heights. Now is the perfect time for my next adventure and I am excited about the journey ahead. ”
Prior to joining Fremantle, Vesper spent 14 years at Sundance TV, overseeing the network’s scripted projects and co-productions including “Rectify,” “The Honorable Woman,” “The Last Panthers,” “Top of the Lake” and “Deutschland 83.” He previously held positions at HBO, iFilm, October Films, and USA Films.
