John Calkins

Advisor

About

John Calkins is a Los Angeles-based media executive with 20 years of global experience in film and television distribution and strategy, in both the theatrical and home entertainment markets. Currently, he serves as the CEO of ROW8, a digital distribution business focused on early, IP delivered in-home availability of movies during the theatrical release.

Prior to that, John served as President of Programming at AMC Entertainment, Inc where he led the studio partnership team, responsible for the studio film rental negotiations and development of strategic initiatives in both theaters and home.

John has held senior positions at Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, IBM and McKinsey & Co. At Sony, he was Executive Vice President, Global Digital and Commercial Innovation for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) and responsible for the digital exploitation of SPE’s film and television properties around the world. In this role, John devised and launched the “early Electronic Sell Thru” window, now a common industry practice. Also at Sony, John served as Executive Vice President of Corporate Development for Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), responsible for driving corporate initiatives in emerging business areas, coordinating corporate and divisional investments and divestitures and overseeing the implementation of the SPE mid-range planning process.

While at Warner Bros, John launched the studio’s digital licensing business and led the studio corporate development team.

John was President of Warren N. Lieberfarb & Associates, a venture founded by Warren Lieberfarb, a pioneering home video executive who was also known as the “Father of the DVD.” Today, John is active on a number of private company and charity boards of directors.

John earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business as a Fuqua Scholar.