Protagonist Pictures Promotes Alice Vail to Head of Acquisitions and Development (EXCLUSIVE)

Protagonist Pictures has upped Alice Vail to head of acquisitions and development alongside a series of key internal promotions across various department and a new addition to its team.

Previously director of acquisitions and development, Vail will continue to spearhead acquisitions strategy, oversee the London-based company’s development slate and and build filmmaker and producer relationships worldwide. Before joining Protagonist, she was the development editor at Number 9 Films for both their film and TV projects. She began her career at Casarotto Ramsay & Associates, working with a number of writers and directors.

“Alice has been instrumental in shaping Protagonist’s acquisitions and development strategy, consistently identifying bold, distinctive voices and projects that resonate on the global stage,” said Protagonist CEO Dave Bishop. “Her elevation to head of acquisitions and development is a natural next step, and I’m excited to see her continue to drive our creative vision and champion filmmaker partnerships worldwide.”

Alongside Vail’s promotion, Protagonist has also upped several other team members to central strategic positions, including Katie McGovern to director of technical operations, Leni Jaeger to publicity and festivals manager, Axelle Van Aerde to executive, production finance, and Max Mepsted to sales coordinator. Meanwhile, Klementina Gjoka has joined the company as management accountant.

The promotions and hire comes following a busy festival season for Protagonist, with titles including Philippa Lowthorpe’s “H is for Hawk” premiering at Telluride, Mark Jenkin’s “Rose of Nevada” at Venice, TIFF and NYFF, and Brian Cox’ “Glenrothan” at TIFF. Protagonist’s first in-house production, “The Man in My Basement,” directed by Nadia Latif and starring Corey Hawkins and Willem Dafoe, also premiered at TIFF and played at NYIFF.

“We are thrilled to recognise and reward the exceptional talent and commitment of our team with these well-deserved promotions,” added Bishop. “Each of them has played a vital role in shaping Protagonist’s continued success and momentum. With our colours flying high on the festival circuit this fall, and with our first in-house production premiering at TIFF, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate the strength and depth of our team as we build towards an exciting year ahead.”