Andrew A. Kosove is an American film producer who was nominated for an Academy Award for the hit film "The Blind Side." Alongside his producing partner, Broderick Johnson, he is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Alcon Entertainment, the Los Angeles-based wholly independent production company that develops, finances, produces and markets theatrical motion pictures exclusively for distribution by Warner Bros.
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Kosove ironically became interested in film production while double majoring in economics and politics as a Princeton undergraduate. Although he and college friend Broderick Johnson shared a mutual interest in film and the business of entertainment, neither committed to pursuing a career as filmmakers. Johnson eventually graduated and moved to New York, where he joined a Wall Street brokerage firm. Kosove graduated a couple of years later and intended to enroll in law school when he heard about Richard Kirkland, a basketball player and gangster, and thought his story would make a good movie. Kosove enlisted Johnson and together they spent three years working with a producer on the project. The project was never made, but the experience encouraged them and they moved to Los Angeles, dedicated to producing films for Hollywood, and paving the way to their successful 11-year partnership.[1]
Not long after moving west, the two were introduced to FedEx chairman and founder Frederick W. Smith. Kosove and Johnson took the opportunity to present Smith with a 221 page proposal suggesting that an independent film company, backed by a capitalized individual or company, and aligned with a major studio for an exclusive distribution arrangement would, applying their reasoned methods, reap profits on copyrighted assets over a set period of time. Smith liked what he read.[1]
Ultimately, Smith chose to partner with Kosove and Johnson in the finance, development and production company Alcon Entertainment. The two producers set up a small apartment “office” they rented by the week, and later a “real” office after launching their first project, Lost & Found, a failure at the box office and a momentary setback for the young producers. However, the second film they produced, My Dog Skip, was released soon after and earned them their first bona fide success, and Smith’s admiration for their persistence and business sense.[1]
Since its establishment, Alcon has established two long-term, exclusive distribution agreements with Warner Bros., the most recent set in motion in mid 2008, calling for the producers to deliver 15 completed films over the course of five years. The first project covered in the agreement was the hit P.S. I Love You.
In 2009, Kosove produced alongside Johnson, Alcon's critically acclaimed, box office hit, "The Blind Side," which was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar and earned Sandra Bullock the Oscar for Best Actress. "The Blind Side" grossed more than $309 million worldwide and broke box office records by being the first film with a female lead to surpass the $200 million mark, earned in its seventh week.
Kosove most recently produced "Dolphin Tale," the 3-D family film starring Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd and Kris Kristofferson. "Dolphin Tale," has become the first film to open in wide release at the number three slot and then become number one in its second weekend. Kosove also produced The Book of Eli, alongside Alcon co-founder Broderick Johnson and producer Joel Silver. The film was directed by the Hughes brothers and starred Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman and Mila Kunis. Other films produced by Alcon Entertainment include the cult hit My Dog Skip, 'Insomnia, and 16 Blocks.
Alcon's next release is "Joyful Noise,” a music driven comedy starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton slated for release January 13, 2012.
Kosove is an accomplished marathon runner and ironman distance triathlete. He lives in Los Angeles and is married to producer Kira Davis. They have two children together.