Company

 

Our Mission

Participant believes that a good story well told can truly make a difference in how one sees the world. Whether it is a feature film, documentary or other form of media, Participant exists to tell compelling, entertaining stories that also create awareness of the real issues that shape our lives.

The company seeks to entertain audiences first, then to invite them to participate in making a difference. To facilitate this, Participant creates specific social action campaigns for each film and documentary designed to give a voice to issues that resonate in the films. Participant teams with social sector organizations, non-profits and corporations who are committed to creating an open forum for discussion, education and who can, with Participant, offer specific ways for audience members to get involved. These include action kits, screening programs, educational curriculums and classes, house parties, seminars, panels and other activities and are ongoing "legacy" programs that are updated and revised to continue beyond the film’s domestic and international theatrical, DVD and television windows. To date, Participant has developed active, working relationships with 600 non-profits which collectively have the potential of reaching over 75 million people.

 
Company Timeline

History of Participant Media (PDF)

Executive Team

Jeff Skoll
Founder & Chairman

Jim Berk
Chief Executive Officer

Jeff Ivers
Chief Operating Officer

Bob Murphy
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Evan Shapiro
President, Participant Television & Pivot

Christopher Gebhardt
Executive Vice President, Digital & General Manager, TakePart

Buffy Shutt
Executive Vice President, Marketing

Kathy Jones
Executive Vice President, Marketing

Jonathan King
Executive Vice President, Production

Diane Weyermann
Executive Vice President, Documentary Films

Chad Boettcher
Executive Vice President, Social Action & Advocacy

Kent Rees
Executive Vice President of Marketing, Scheduling and Operations, Participant Television

John Arianas
Executive Vice President of Advertising Sales & Partnerships, Participant Television

Stephanie Ruyle
Executive Vice President of Distribution, Participant Television