EXCLUSIVE: Longtime Warner Bros production veteran Kevin McCormick is departing the studio for a producing deal on the lot that encompasses both movies and stage productions. First up for him: Warner Bros’ reboot of The Bodyguard.
McCormick’s most recent title was EVP Production and Senior Advisor during what was his second run at the studio. During that time he worked on the studio’s Broadway production of Beetlejuice The Musical. He’ll continue to be involved with the studio’s stage adaptations of Crazy Rich Asians, A Star Is Born and Elvis.
McCormick was in his second tour in the production ranks of Warner Bros, which began in May 2017 when Courtenay Valenti was upped to President of Production and Development. Features he worked on included Elvis, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Furiosa and Juror No. 2.
The Saturday Night Fever producer (his first producing credit) was previously President of Production, a post to which he rose in 2008 before exiting in October 2009. At that time, he had been at Warner Bros for more than 10 years and was responsible for such features as Sherlock Holmes, The Perfect Storm, Blood Diamond, Insomnia, Syriana, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and DreamWorks co-productions Sweeney Todd and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Below is McCormick’s note to staffers sent Tuesday as well as the email from Warner Bros Motion Picture co-chairs Pamela Abdy and Michael De Luca, and production presidents Jesse Ehrman and Mike Ireland.
Dear Friends,
As most of you know, I began my professional life as a movie producer, which I loved doing. I have also had the great opportunity to spend half my career as an executive.
Best of all, most of that time has been spent at WB.
Starting in June, I’m happy to report, I will still be working on movies — and theatrical ventures — but, once again, as a producer … here at WB.
I’m genuinely eager to return to my original profession, with only one serious reservation: I will truly miss all of you as colleagues I deeply admire. I’m glad to know that the many friendships I cherish here will long endure.
It’s been an honor and a pleasure to work with every one of you — to be part of not only the most dynamic creative team in Hollywood but also the most collaborative. It’s as rare as it is inspirational to watch everybody come together to produce the films — and the results — that you do.
Thank you for the countless pleasures of working with you.
No need to say goodbye, because I’ll see you around campus.
Kevin McCormick
Team Warner Bros.,
On behalf of everyone at Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, we want to express our deep appreciation for Kevin and the extraordinary impact he has had on the studio over the course of his tenure. His insight, steady leadership, and the sage counsel he has offered to countless filmmakers have shaped not only individual projects, but the broader creative culture of our team. Kevin’s ability to champion talent, nurture stories, and guide productions with both expertise and heart has left an indelible mark on our organization.
As Kevin returns to producing, he will be building on his extensive experience in both feature films and theatrical stage works. He will now focus on developing and producing feature films for Warner Bros., including The Bodyguard, bringing his deep creative instincts and trusted relationships to these upcoming projects.
In addition, he will continue to work with Mark Kaufman and Warner Bros.’ stage productions, with Beetlejuice The Musical playing on Broadway, touring nationally, and captivating audiences across Japan, Korea, Australia, and soon London. He will also help guide the development of theatrical adaptations of Crazy Rich Asians, A Star Is Born, and Elvis, further extending the Warner Bros. brand through internationally resonant stage productions rooted in beloved studio storytelling.
We are truly grateful for Kevin’s continued partnership and ongoing commitment to the studio. His body of work speaks for itself, but the generosity, integrity, and passion he brings to every collaboration are what make him such a valued member of our community. We know you join us in celebrating Kevin’s remarkable achievements and in supporting him as he embarks on his new creative ventures with Warner Bros.
Pam, Mike, Jesse & Mike