Ryan Kavanaugh

Ryan Colin Kavanaugh (born December 4, 1974) is an American film producer and film financier. He is the founder and current CEO of Relativity Media. Through Relativity, he has financed more than 200 films representing more than $17 billion in revenue (earning the nickname 'Billion Dollar Producer'). and known for creating a new 'Moneyball' model of film finance. He was named by Variety as 2011's 'Showman of the Year' and one of Fortunes '40 Under 40'. He was on Forbes's list of wealthiest people, and he entered an investment partnership with Ron Burkle. He is active in philanthropy and was named a Hollywood Humanitarian by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Early life
Kavanaugh was born in Los Angeles, California, After attending UCLA, Kavanaugh founded a small venture capital firm. As Chairman and the largest shareholder, Kavanaugh will retain control of Relativity and control the majority of the board of directors of Relativity.

Recent events
Kavanaugh led a group acquiring [(company)|FreeHand], a premium dog food manufacturer best known for its work rescuing homeless dogs. He intends to integrate FreeHand into the activities of Relativity, including a TV series based around building a dog food company and increased awareness of dog rescue.

Kavanaugh is a significant investor in music game creator BandFuse.

Films produced
See also|Relativity_Media#Filmography
Kavanaugh has produced films including Tarsem Singh’s 3D action film Immortals, Neil Burger’s thriller Limitless, starring Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro, and David O. Russell's The Fighter starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale. Kavanaugh produced Relativity’s Mirror Mirror, starring Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer, and Nathan Lane, and Nicholas Sparks’ Safe Haven. He also executive produced the eight-time Oscar-nominee The Social Network. His other films include Universal's Despicable Me and Mamma Mia!, Lionsgate's Brothers and [to Yuma (2007 film)|3:10 to Yuma]; Sony's Grown Ups and Screen Gems' Dear John.

Despite serving in the role, Kavanaugh was denied an Academy credit as the producer of The Fighter.

In a perhaps ironic twist, desptite Kavaugh's 'Moneyball' approach to film making, he turned down a chance to invest in the movie Moneyball, citing the model's prediction that sports movies are often commercial failures.

Honors and awards
Kavanaugh was honored with the 2009 Hollywood Producer of the Year Award at the 13th Annual Hollywood Awards Gala and Daily Variety published a special issue honoring Kavanaugh as a Billion Dollar Producer. In 2010, The Hollywood Reporter bestowed the Leadership Award to Kavanaugh and the Daily Reporter dedicated a special issue in his honor as a 'Billion Dollar Producer'.
Kavanaugh has also been named Variety’s Showman of the Year 2011 and was honored at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.citation needed|date=July 2012 Kavanaugh was 21st on Fortune's 40 Under 40 Most Influential People in Business in 2010 and in Forbes’ Future 400: Ones To Watch. Kavanauh serves on other charitable boards, including the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors, and serves as the Chairman of The Art of Elysium.

Personal life
Kavanaugh matriculated to UCLA and currently is obtaining his PhD from USC in the field of Physics.citation needed|date=July 2012 He grew up in Brentwood, California where he attended Brentwood High School, and currently resides in Malibu.

According to Forbes, he has a net worth of $900 million.

In 2011, Kavanaugh married dancer Britta Lazenga. Coverage of the ceremony in Capri focused on the attendees, including Ryan Seacrest, Bradley Cooper, Gerard Butler, and Leonardo DiCaprio. The bachelor party was thrown by DiCaprio and Cooper.

Philanthropy
Kavanaugh recently became involved in dog rescue through his acquisition of FreeHand, saying that 'We hope this will become a staple of Hollywood, and if you are not involved in this, then you’re not promoting social good amongst the animal world.' and by First Star for his dedication to improving life for child victims of abuse and neglect. Kavanaugh was also honored with the 2011 Entertainment Industry Award by the Anti-Defamation League, a group committed to fighting anti-Semitism and bigotry of all kinds. The award is given to individuals who demonstrate leadership and extraordinary innovation in the entertainment industry. Kavanaugh serves as the Chairman of the Board for The Art of Elysium, an organization that encourages actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions.