Who Owns Screen Gems: Ownership Insights

Screen Gems is a well-known American film and television production company. Over the years, many people have asked who owns Screen Gems because of its strong presence in Hollywood. The company has been part of several entertainment shifts, making it an important studio within the industry.

Screen Gems Company Profile

Screen Gems is a Hollywood entertainment brand. It began as an animation studio. Over time, it became a major television production company. Today, it is a film label under Sony Pictures Entertainment. It focuses on mid-budget genre films. The company stands out in horror, thriller, action, comedy, and urban genres.

Company Details

Screen Gems has three distinct phases in its history:

• Animation era (early 1920s–late 1940s): Began as an animation production and distribution studio.
• Television era (1948–1974): Became Columbia Pictures’ television production arm.
• Specialty film label (since 1998): Operates as a Sony Pictures Entertainment film division targeting mid-budget genre films.

The company is based in Culver City, California. It is wholly owned by Sony Group Corporation, through Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Founders

Screen Gems originated as M.J. Winkler Pictures, founded in 1921 by Margaret J. Winkler, a pioneering film producer, distributor, and animator.

She was the first woman to produce and distribute animated films. Her company distributed works like Felix the Cat and early Fleischer cartoons. She also gave Walt Disney early support by editing and distributing his Alice Comedies. Later, in 1924, she turned the business over to her husband, Charles Mintz.

The television incarnation of Screen Gems emerged when Columbia Pictures acquired Pioneer Telefilms, a TV commercial company founded around 1947 by Ralph M. Cohn, nephew of Columbia co-founder Harry Cohn. In November 1948, Columbia reorganized Pioneer as Screen Gems, and operations formally began in New York in 1949.

That marks two key founding moments: the creative and female-led animated production origin, and then its rebirth as a major television production brand within Columbia.

Major Milestones

• 1921 – Margaret J. Winkler establishes M.J. Winkler Pictures, pioneering animation distribution.
• 1922 – Secures distribution contracts for Felix the Cat and Fleischer Studios’ Out of the Inkwell cartoons.
• 1923 – Supports Walt Disney’s Alice Comedies, editing early episodes.
• 1946 – Columbia drops the Screen Gems brand from its animation, but retains the name for ancillary media activities.
• 1948 – On November 8, Columbia acquires Pioneer Telefilms. Rebrands it as the Screen Gems television division.
• April 15, 1949 – Screen Gems opens for TV production operations in New York.
• Early 1950s – Begins major TV production with hits like Father Knows Best and The Donna Reed Show.
• 1956 – Acquires Hygo Television Films and United Television Films to expand syndication and content ownership.
• 1957 – Enters distribution deal with Hanna-Barbera, handling classics such as The Flintstones, The Jetsons, and more.
• 1966–1967 – Hanna-Barbera sold to Taft Broadcasting; Screen Gems’ distribution partnership ends.
• 1968 – Merges with Columbia Pictures into Columbia Pictures Industries for $24.5 million.
• 1974 – Renamed to Columbia Pictures Television on May 6, ending the Screen Gems TV brand.
• 1998 – On December 8, Sony revives the Screen Gems name as a specialty film label within Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group.
• 1999 – Launches its on-screen logo and brand identity for the revived film label.
• 2025 – Remains active, specializing in genre films and recognized among Sony’s core live-action labels.

Who Owns Screen Gems?

Screen Gems is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, which is a division of Sony Group Corporation. This ownership structure places Screen Gems under one of the largest media and entertainment conglomerates in the world. Sony uses Screen Gems as a specialized label focusing on genre-driven, mid-budget films.

• Screen Gems functions as a film label, not a standalone company.
• It has no separate financial reporting, with its results being consolidated under Sony Pictures Entertainment.
• Creative and strategic decisions for Screen Gems are handled by Sony Pictures executives, ensuring alignment with Sony’s global strategy.
• Despite being a smaller division compared to Columbia Pictures or TriStar, Screen Gems plays a crucial role in producing consistent box office performers, especially in the horror and thriller genres.

Parent Company: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment is a major American film and television studio headquartered in Culver City, California. It oversees multiple film labels including Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, and Screen Gems. Sony Pictures provides Screen Gems with distribution networks, financing, and access to Sony’s global entertainment resources.

Through this relationship, Screen Gems operates as one of the five active live-action film divisions of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group. It does not function as an independent corporation but as a brand within Sony’s larger organizational structure.

Acquisition Insights

The ownership of Screen Gems came through Sony’s landmark acquisition of Columbia Pictures Entertainment in 1989. At the time, Sony Corporation (now Sony Group Corporation) purchased Columbia and its subsidiaries for $3.4 billion. This deal included Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, and the Screen Gems brand.

This acquisition was one of the biggest moves in Hollywood during the late 20th century. It allowed Sony to secure a major foothold in the U.S. entertainment industry. Screen Gems, being part of Columbia’s history, was carried into Sony’s ownership.

In 1998, Sony revived the Screen Gems label officially as a specialty film division under Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group. Since then, it has operated directly under Sony Pictures, producing films within its niche.

Ownership Structure

Screen Gems itself does not have shareholders, since it is not a publicly traded company. Instead, its ownership is fully held by Sony Pictures Entertainment, which in turn is part of Sony Group Corporation.

Sony Group Corporation is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. Its largest shareholders include Japanese institutional investors, global banks, and retail shareholders.

Control flows from Sony Group’s leadership in Tokyo, down to Sony Pictures Entertainment’s management in the United States, and then to the division heads managing Screen Gems.

Who is the CEO of Screen Gems?

Screen Gems does not have a standalone CEO because it functions as a film label under Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group. Its day-to-day operations are overseen by its President, while ultimate authority flows up to the CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), who oversees all of Sony’s film and television divisions.

Current President of Screen Gems

The current head of Screen Gems is Ashley Brucks, who became President of Screen Gems in November 2023. She is responsible for managing the label’s development and production slate. Brucks has extensive experience in genre filmmaking, particularly horror, which fits Screen Gems’ profile.

Since taking the role, she has focused on strengthening Screen Gems’ presence in theatrical horror and thriller films while also aligning projects with Sony’s broader distribution strategy.

CEO Overseeing the Company

The executive who oversees Screen Gems at the highest level is Ravi Ahuja, the CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment since January 2025. He succeeded Tony Vinciquerra, who now serves as non-executive chairman.

Ahuja previously held senior roles in Sony Pictures’ Television Group, where he was known for expanding global distribution and managing large-scale partnerships. His move to CEO of Sony Pictures marked a new chapter for the company, emphasizing digital transformation, international expansion, and strengthening the studio’s film and television divisions.

As CEO, Ahuja oversees Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, and Screen Gems, among others. His leadership ensures that Screen Gems is part of Sony’s global entertainment strategy rather than an isolated label.

Motion Picture Group Leadership

Alongside Ahuja, the film division is run by Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group. Rothman signed a multi-year extension in May 2025, securing his leadership through the decade. He has been a pivotal figure in shaping Sony’s theatrical strategy and oversees all live-action labels, including Screen Gems.

This means that while Ashley Brucks manages Screen Gems’ creative and production output, major financial and strategic decisions are guided by Tom Rothman and ultimately approved by Ravi Ahuja.

Past Leadership Timeline

• Clint Culpepper – Served as President of Screen Gems until 2017, credited with shaping its identity as a profitable genre label.
• Steve Bersch – Temporarily oversaw Screen Gems after Culpepper’s departure, while also serving as President of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions.
• Ashley Brucks – Took over in 2023 and continues to lead the division in 2025.
• Tony Vinciquerra – CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment from 2017 to 2025, oversaw Screen Gems indirectly until his handover to Ahuja.
• Ravi Ahuja – CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment since January 2025, now the ultimate executive authority over Screen Gems.

Why Screen Gems Has No Independent CEO

Because Screen Gems is a label, not a standalone corporation, it does not require its own CEO. Instead, it has a President who manages day-to-day creative and production functions. Strategic, financial, and distribution decisions are controlled by SPE leadership, ensuring all labels—including Screen Gems—operate in alignment with Sony’s global objectives.

Screen Gems Annual Revenue and Net Worth

As of 2025, Screen Gems functions under the umbrella of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), which reported a net worth of approximately $10 billion, based on its wide-ranging assets across film, television, and digital platforms. SPE’s latest full-year revenue stands at about $88 billion, reflecting robust performance across its entertainment divisions.

Sony Pictures Entertainment Revenue in 2025

In the fiscal year ending March 2025, SPE generated annual sales of roughly ¥12.957 trillion—equivalent to about $88 billion—marking a strong performance driven by its movie, music, and gaming content. Despite some fluctuations in segments, the overall revenue remained solid due to diversified streams across media platforms.

Net Worth of Sony Pictures Entertainment

As of August 2025, Financial estimates peg SPE’s net worth near $10 billion, a valuation reflecting both its intellectual property (franchises like Marvel-adjacent titles and anime content) and its growing digital footprint, including large subscriber bases for platforms like YouTube.

Pictures Segment Contribution within Sony Group

Within the broader Sony Group, SPE’s contribution is significant but not dominant. For fiscal 2023, the Pictures segment accounted for around 11% of Sony Group’s total revenue, which stood at about ¥11.539 trillion. This situates SPE’s revenue at an approximate ¥1.37 trillion that year.

Top Screen Gems Movies and Productions

Screen Gems has built a reputation for delivering popular mid-budget films that perform well at the box office. The company is known for horror, thrillers, action films, and comedies that appeal to a wide global audience.

Below are some of its most recognized productions as of 2025:

Resident Evil Series

The Resident Evil film series is one of Screen Gems’ most successful franchises. Based on the Capcom video game, it began in 2002 and expanded into multiple sequels over the years. The franchise grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing video game-based film series for years.

Underworld Franchise

Another major production was the Underworld series, which blended action, fantasy, and horror. Released between 2003 and 2016, the films became cult favorites and brought strong box office success, expanding Screen Gems’ reputation in supernatural storytelling.

Dear John

Released in 2010, Dear John was a romantic drama based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel. Starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried, it topped the box office in its opening weekend. It also highlighted Screen Gems’ ability to diversify into romance and drama beyond horror and thrillers.

Think Like a Man

In 2012, Screen Gems released Think Like a Man, a comedy inspired by Steve Harvey’s book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. It was a surprise hit, grossing over $96 million worldwide and proving the studio’s strength in comedy-driven productions.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose

Released in 2005, this supernatural horror film gained both critical attention and commercial success. It became one of the standout films in the horror genre for Screen Gems, combining courtroom drama with paranormal themes.

Easy A

In 2010, Easy A brought Emma Stone to wider fame. The teen comedy was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. It showcased Screen Gems’ ability to deliver smart, witty films that appeal to younger audiences.

Obsessed

The 2009 thriller Obsessed, starring Beyoncé, Idris Elba, and Ali Larter, became a box office hit despite mixed reviews. It grossed over $70 million worldwide and demonstrated Screen Gems’ knack for creating commercially viable thrillers.

Deliver Us from Eva

This 2003 romantic comedy starring LL Cool J and Gabrielle Union marked another example of the studio’s diversification. It gained popularity in the African American film market, further establishing Screen Gems’ ability to target different demographics.

The Intruder

Released in 2019, The Intruder was a psychological thriller starring Michael Ealy, Meagan Good, and Dennis Quaid. It performed well at the box office, reinforcing Screen Gems’ stronghold in suspense-driven thrillers.

Slender Man

In 2018, Slender Man tapped into internet horror folklore. Although it received mixed reviews, it reflected Screen Gems’ strategy of creating films based on trending cultural phenomena to attract younger audiences.

The Grudge

Released on January 3, 2020, The Grudge was a reboot of the classic horror franchise. Screen Gems partnered with Stage 6 Films and Ghost House Pictures. The film brought back the franchise’s supernatural curse theme while targeting both older fans and new audiences.

Monster Hunter

Monster Hunter premiered on December 18, 2020. Screen Gems handled distribution in multiple international markets, while Constantin Film and Tencent Pictures co-produced. Based on the popular video game, the movie blended action and fantasy, showcasing Screen Gems’ focus on genre-based entertainment.

The Unholy

On April 2, 2021, The Unholy was released. It was a supernatural horror film produced with Ghost House Pictures. The movie followed the story of a girl who gains healing powers after a supposed miracle, only to uncover sinister origins.

Don’t Breathe 2

Don’t Breathe 2 hit theaters on August 13, 2021. A sequel to the 2016 thriller, it was co-produced with Stage 6 Films, Ghost House Pictures, and Bad Hombre. The film shifted focus to the anti-hero Norman Nordstrom, continuing Screen Gems’ investment in thriller franchises.

Blink

Blink, released on March 14, 2022, was a short horror film made with Ground Control. Although smaller in scale, it showcased Screen Gems’ interest in experimental projects and shorter-format horror storytelling.

The Invitation

On August 26, 2022, The Invitation premiered. Co-produced with Mid Atlantic Films, this gothic horror film centered on themes of family secrets and vampirism, adding to Screen Gems’ modern horror catalog.

Missing

Missing debuted on January 20, 2023. This thriller used a screenlife format, following in the footsteps of Searching. Co-produced with Stage 6 Films, Bazelevs Company, and Search Party Productions, it captured the dangers of digital connections and online mysteries.

The Pope’s Exorcist

Released on April 14, 2023, The Pope’s Exorcist starred Russell Crowe as Father Gabriele Amorth. The movie, co-produced with Loyola Productions, explored real-life accounts of the Vatican’s chief exorcist, combining faith, horror, and history.

Love Again

Love Again premiered on May 5, 2023. This romantic drama, co-produced with Thunder Road Films, diverged from Screen Gems’ usual horror portfolio. The film explored love, grief, and unexpected connections.

The Machine

On May 26, 2023, Screen Gems released The Machine in collaboration with Legendary Entertainment. The action-comedy was inspired by comedian Bert Kreischer’s viral story, offering audiences a mix of humor and chaos.

Insidious: The Red Door

Insidious: The Red Door was released on July 7, 2023. Co-produced with Blumhouse Productions and Stage 6 Films, it continued the chilling saga of the Lambert family. As part of the successful Insidious franchise, it reaffirmed Screen Gems’ role in delivering blockbuster horror films.

Tarot

On May 3, 2024, Screen Gems launched Tarot. Produced with Alloy Entertainment and Ground Control, the horror-thriller focused on a cursed deck of tarot cards. It became another entry in the studio’s supernatural horror line.

Heart Eyes

Heart Eyes premiered on February 7, 2025, in North America. Developed with Spyglass Media Group and Divide/Conquer, the movie blended slasher horror with romance, showcasing Screen Gems’ interest in genre hybrids.

Until Dawn

Released on April 25, 2025, Until Dawn was a horror sci-fi adaptation of the PlayStation game. Co-produced with PlayStation Productions, Vertigo Entertainment, Coin Operated, and Mangata, it marked a milestone in Screen Gems’ gaming-based adaptations.

I Know What You Did Last Summer

On July 18, 2025, Screen Gems revived the iconic slasher franchise with I Know What You Did Last Summer. In collaboration with Columbia Pictures and Original Film, the movie catered to nostalgia-driven audiences while introducing the story to a new generation.

Conclusion

Screen Gems is a long-standing Hollywood studio with a rich history. For those asking who owns Screen Gems, the answer is clear: it is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, which is part of Sony Group Corporation. Through this ownership, Screen Gems continues to operate as a successful production label, known for its mid-budget films and horror franchises.

Its place within Sony ensures stability and access to global resources, while still retaining its own creative identity.

FAQs

Who owns Screen Gems?

Screen Gems is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, which itself is a subsidiary of the Japanese multinational Sony Group Corporation. The studio operates as one of Sony’s main film production and distribution units in Hollywood.

Who founded Screen Gems?

Screen Gems was originally founded in 1933 as the animation division of Columbia Pictures. It played a major role in creating animated shorts during Hollywood’s golden era. Over time, the brand evolved into a television subsidiary in the late 1940s and eventually re-emerged in 1999 as Sony’s film division specializing in mid-budget, genre-driven movies.

Do Screen Gems still exist?

Yes, Screen Gems still exists and is actively producing and distributing films. As of 2025, it continues to release horror, thriller, action, and comedy titles, with recent projects such as Tarot (2024), Heart Eyes (2025), and Until Dawn (2025) confirming its ongoing presence in Hollywood.

When did Sony buy Screen Gems?

Sony did not directly “buy” Screen Gems. Instead, the studio came under Sony’s ownership when Sony acquired Columbia Pictures Entertainment in 1989. Screen Gems was originally part of Columbia Pictures, and the brand was revived under Sony Pictures in 1999 as a dedicated label for genre-based films.

What does the Screen Gems logo mean?

The Screen Gems logo, known as the “S from Hell”, is one of the most recognizable in film and television history. It features a stylized “S” that represents the initials of Screen Gems. Designed in the 1960s, the abstract and futuristic look reflected modernity and innovation in media. Over time, it became a symbol of the studio’s creativity and forward-thinking approach, though it also gained cult status due to its eerie presentation, inspiring nostalgia and even pop culture memes.

Is Screen Gems part of Columbia Pictures?

Yes. Screen Gems originated as a division of Columbia Pictures, which is now part of Sony.