Longtime Amblin Partners executive Mia Maniscalco has been tapped as president of Coin Operated, the production banner founded by horror multi-hyphenate Gary Dauberman.
Maniscalco will oversee development and production of Coin Operated’s expanding slate, working closely with Dauberman, who has been involved in some of the biggest horror franchises of the past decade, including It, Annabelle and The Nun, as writer, producer, and even director.
Max Lippe will continue as the company’s director of development.
Maniscalco joins the company as it begins what looks to be a busy run across the horror landscape. The genre remains one of the few that have not only weathered but thrived in the harsh theatrical conditions of recent years. Dauberman late last year signed a first-look deal with Screen Gems/Sony Pictures. The company already has one feature project on deck, a film adaptation of the beloved PlayStation hit horror game Until Dawn, with the project reuniting Dauberman with Annabelle: Creation helmer David F. Sandberg, who is set to direct.
“Mia’s strong industry experience as a creative partner and her passion for telling engaging stories make for the perfect mix of what I’ve been looking for on my team,” said Dauberman in a statement. “I am beyond excited to have her on board to help take Coin Operated to the next level.”
Maniscalco joins Coin Operated after an over ten-year run at Amblin, culminating with the post of senior vp of creative affairs. Among the projects she shepherded through development and production were The Last Voyage of The Demeter, directed by Andre Ovredal and starring Corey Hawkins; The Girl On The Train directed by Tate Taylor, starring Emily Blunt; The House With A Clock In Its Walls directed by Eli Roth starring Jack Black and Cate Blanchett; The Light Between Oceans directed Derek Cianfrance, starring Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander; A Dog’s Purpose directed by Lasse Hallstorm, starring Dennis Quaid; and The Hundred-Foot Journey starring Helen Mirren.
Prior to Amblin, the Brown University alum worked Nick at Nite and TV Land.
“Gary’s ability to terrify and entertain in equal measure is unparalleled,” Maniscalco said in a statement. “I’ve been a fan of his for years and the opportunity to build this company with him is a true privilege.”
