Findlay Brown: From the Indie Scene to the Forefront of a new Hollywood

Moving from making small independent films to creating big-budget material for the silver screen is a dream for many in Hollywood. Canadian producer Findlay Brown has turned this dream into reality through content production and distribution at Authentic Studios. Led by President Colin Smeeton, the small, select team at Authentic Studios launched in 2023, perhaps the worst year for production in recent memory as a consequence of the double WGA/SAG strikes. Despite that, Brown and the team sold nine productions that year across several platforms including Amazon Prime Video, NBC, and Netflix, a remarkable achievement at any time, let alone in the middle of Hollywood’s annus horribilis.

“It was a difficult time to sell any kind of project, but thankfully we were able to put together some really compelling projects that broke through the noise,” said Brown. “The Studios team has been incredible to work with, and it’s exciting to be on the cutting edge of a new kind of Hollywood.” Where Authentic Studios differs from other production companies is how it acquires the material for its productions. Historically, producers and studios license intellectual property from holders that include publishers, game manufacturers, notable estates, and others. Drawing on the hefty IP library of parent company Authentic Brands, Authentic Studios has a wealth of material to develop content: Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, and the over 50 major brands Authentic own, including Reebok, Sports Illustrated, and Juicy Couture.

When pressed for details about how he was able to so seamlessly establish himself at Authentic, Brown traced the origins to his time at the number one film school in the country, The American Film Institute (AFI). “The volume of work and responsibility expected of me while I was at AFI was critical in forming my production skills. On top of classes, I was responsible for writing and producing several short films including my thesis film, which meant every moment of my day had to count for something.” The resulting film, Caroline, is a beautiful, introspective story of grief and love. After its premiere at the world-renowned AFI Fest, the film has been nominated for a BAFTA, which Brown hopes they will win.

Authentic Studios comprises four labels: Shaquille O’Neal’s Jersey Legends, David Beckham’s Studio 99, Sports Illustrated Studios, and Authentic Productions. As such, Authentic Studios is exceptionally skilled at producing sports-related media, including PGA-award-winning and chart-topping Netflix docuseries, Beckham. A scholarship football player for Montreal’s McGill University, Brown’s sports background and producing chops are a natural fit for the IP library of Authentic Brands. “He has an intimate understanding of what makes sports great for those who are already interested, and he has a knack for drawing in anyone less familiar with them,” says Matthew Gross, SVP of Authentic Studios. “It’s a great combination that really clicked for us.” When asked about how his sports and film backgrounds have found the same home at Authentic Studios, Brown lights up. “It’s not often your job combines your two true passions, and I’ve been able to succeed through my background in athletics and film,” Brown says. “I’m beyond excited to continue being an integral part of the incredible projects Authentic will produce.”