Introduction
Joseph Drake is the co-founder of Good Universe, an independent full-service motion picture company. Drake formed the company in May 2012 with former Mandate Pictures partner, Nathan Kahane. Drake shepherds the company’s overall business and is responsible for building key financial, creative and strategic partnerships. Drake has served as executive producer on more than 25 films.
Good Universe’s current slate includes: The House starring Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler for New Line Cinema and the sci-fi thriller Extinction. Previous productions include such hits as Neighbors for Universal Studios and Last Vegas for CBS Films.
On the back of three successful collaborations: Neighbors (2014 film), This is the End, and 50/50 (2011 film), Good Universe concluded a partnership with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s Point Grey Pictures to produce and finance mainstream comedies such as the Untitled Ben Schwartz Comedy with Gary Sanchez Productions to be directed by Adam McKay and starring Rogen and James Franco's The Masterpiece for New Line Cinema.
Drake is also a partner with Sam Raimi, Robert Tapert and Kahane in Ghost House Pictures, a leader in the horror thriller genre with eight #1 box office hits including Don't Breathe, The Grudge and Evil Dead for Sony Pictures.The current slate includes Fede Alvarez's thriller Don't Breathe (2016 film).
Prior to Good Universe, Drake served as President of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group and Co-Chief Operating Officer where he pioneered the company’s franchise building strategy, which resulted in the global juggernaut Hunger Games and the worldwide box office hit The Expendables.
Career
Drake founded Mandate Pictures in 2005, following a management buyout of Senator International which he launched in 2001. Mandate Pictures produced the box office sensation Juno (film) which won an Academy Award® for Best Original Screenplay and three additional Academy Award® nominations; the Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle franchise; the Golden Globe®-nominated and Independent Spirit Award-winning comedy 50/50; the Golden Globe®-nominated comedy Young Adult (film); the Golden Globe®-nominated Hope Springs; and the break-out comedy This is the End. In 2007, the partners sold Mandate Pictures to Lionsgate. Following the acquisition of Mandate, Drake transitioned into his role as the President of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group and Co-chief Operating Officer of Lionsgate, while maintaining his role as CEO of Mandate Pictures. Under his tenure, the Motion Picture Group added more than $1 billion in value to Lionsgate. Earlier in his career, Drake served posts at Rysher Entertainment, Senator International,Lionsgate International and Moviestore Entertainment.