EXCLUSIVE: The Arena, the Erik Feig-run independent studio focused on creating global franchises inspired by the worlds of gaming, anime, and event action, has hired four executives across its production and creative teams. Melissa Goodall and Zach Hamby have joined as Vice Presidents of Production, with Megan Fleming and Sajan Alagiri named as Creative Executives.
The Arena’s new hires will work with top talent to continue the expansion of the company’s slate, supporting its mission of building a fandom ecosystem consisting of premium film and television, fan-first experiences, and consumer goods. They will report to President of Production Matt Reilly.
“With this significant growth of our team, we are even better equipped to build franchises that resonate around the world,” Reilly told Deadline. “Together, Melissa, Zach, Megan, and Sajan bring decades of experience at top studios, with each having helped bring global hits to life. I look forward to working alongside each of them as we continue building out a slate of top-quality films, series, and beyond, serving some of the world’s most passionate fan communities.”
Goodall joins from The Kennedy/Marshall Company, where she served as Head of Development, overseeing the scripted film and television slate under the tutelage of Frank Marshall. In that role, she developed projects in the Jason Bourne franchise, as well as recent major studio releases including Jurassic World Rebirth and Twisters. Goodall began her career at White Horse Pictures, serving under producers Nigel Sinclair and Nicholas Ferrall. She worked there on documentaries including Ron Howard’s Grammy-winning Eight Days a Week: The Touring Years.
Hamby joins from Warner Bros., where he served as Director of Development. During his tenure, he worked on Barbie, the Dune and Godzilla x Kong franchises, Furiosa, Juror #2, Twisters and Mickey 17, as well as upcoming projects including J.J. Abrams’ The Great Beyond, David Robert Mitchell’s The End of Oak Street, Taylor Sheridan’s F.A.S.T., Jonah Hill’s Cut Off, and Susanne Bier’s Practical Magic 2. Previously, Hamby worked at 20th Century Fox and Universal, after beginning his career in film acquisitions. He holds an MFA from UCLA’s Producers Program.
With over 10 years of experience across film, television, and gaming, Fleming previously served as Director of Development at The Safran Company, working on titles like Shazam, Peacemaker and the Conjuring universe, in addition to working for David F. Sandberg on Shazam! Fury of the Gods. She has also worked in video game writing rooms for companies including Crystal Dynamics and Astrid Entertainment. Most recently, she worked for the California Film Commission, helping with the tax credit program’s increase to $750 million.
Alagiri joins from Picturestart, the award-winning media company founded by The Arena’s Feig. In that role, he worked on noteworthy films including Together, Bad Genius and the upcoming Liam Neeson-led 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank. He launched his career at APA Agency.
Former Lionsgate film head Feig leads the Saudi-backed The Arena as CEO. He sits on a board chaired by Majid Al-Ibrahim, which also includes former Disney film chief Sean Bailey; Andreessen Horowitz General Partner and leading AI investor Andrew Chen; and Epic Games CCO Charlie Wen.
Current projects under The Arena’s South Town banner, based on SNK video games set in the shared world of South Town, include the film Fatal Fury, written by The Dark Knight‘s David S. Goyer; Fatal Fury: The Vow, an animated series in partnership with Skybound; the Godfather-inspired film Geese, written and directed by Grant Singer; and the webtoon Art of Fighting from online creator Brandon Chen.
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