How mining shaped "Hollywood North"

What does “The Hunger Games” and mining have in common?

A fearless leader known for creative business deals, “Hollywood North”, and humble beginnings.

This is the story of how a Vancouver legend built one of the largest film production companies in the world through connections developed in mining.

Humble beginnings to mining success

Frank Giustra, a name you've probably seen in the credits of some blockbuster hits or in the mining sector's ‘hall of fame’.

Frank was born in Sudbury, Ontario but spent his high school years in Aldergrove, BC. Frank didn’t grow up wealthy, just a regular guy who later studied at Douglas College and BCIT, focusing on business and finance.

Frank's dad, a driller and blaster in the mines, introduced him to a stock broker, setting the stage for Frank’s future and piquing his interest in what would be a very successful career.

Starting as an assistant trader at the brokerage Merrill Lynch following college, Frank quickly climbed the ranks and landed the role of a broker.

Frank’s strategic approach to financing companies and his ability to develop connections in the mining industry set him apart. He used these connections to rocket up the ranks at Yorkton Securities, eventually sitting as chairman and CEO in 1995.

By 1997, Frank was the big kahuna in mining and finance; but he had his sights on something completely unrelated to mining, film.

🎥 The Birth of Lionsgate Films

Frank took his creative touch and vast network from his years in mining and applied it to film financing.

In late 1997, Frank started Lionsgate Films in Vancouver, BC and started raising money to acquire production studios and distribution.

It started slow, but by 2000, Lionsgate hits the jackpot.

“American Psycho” is released bringing in over $30 million in gross revenue on a $7 million budget. The film went on to develop a cult following after it’s DVD release in 2005.

Since then, Lionsgate has been involved in too many blockbuster films to count, but here’s a few:

• American Psycho

• Fahrenheit 9/11

• Saw

• The Hunger Games

• La La Land

• John Wick

A legacy 💵

By 2003, Frank cashes out most of his Lionsgate shares but stays in the film game with Thunderbird Entertainment (makers of “Blade Runner”).

He’s passionate about philanthropic work and his efforts are centered around his Giustra Foundation, which focuses on global humanitarian issues like supporting refugees, addressing homelessness, and promoting women's and children's rights.

And yes, he’s still into mining. Frank is CEO of the Fiore Group, a private firm managing a broad portfolio of private equity investments and companies such as West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd., Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd. & many more.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

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