Gary Barber(I)
- Producer
- Executive
- Talent Agent
Gary Barber is a prominent South African-American film producer and media executive, widely recognised as one of Hollywood's most influential dealmakers. He currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of Spyglass Media Group, a premier content company he relaunched in 2019.
Early Career & Spyglass Entertainment Barber's ascent in the entertainment industry began at Morgan Creek Productions, where he served as Vice Chairman and COO, overseeing global hits such as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and the Ace Ventura franchise. In 1998, he co-founded Spyglass Entertainment with Roger Birnbaum. Under his leadership, the studio produced a string of critical and commercial successes, including The Sixth Sense, Seabiscuit, Memoirs of a Geisha, and 27 Dresses.
Leadership at MGM In 2010, Barber was appointed Co-Chairman and CEO of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). He is credited with steering the legendary studio out of bankruptcy and back into profitability during his eight-year tenure. During this time, he revitalised major franchises, most notably overseeing the global success of the James Bond and Rocky/Creed series.
Spyglass Media Group & Recent Success After departing MGM in 2018, Barber partnered with Lantern Entertainment to form Spyglass Media Group. The company has since become a powerhouse in genre filmmaking, successfully reviving the Scream franchise with Scream (2022), Scream VI, and the upcoming Scream 7. Spyglass has also secured strategic partnerships with major industry players like Lionsgate, Warner Bros., and Amazon.
Personal Life Beyond the film industry, Barber is a passionate sports fan and a leading figure in the world of horse racing. He owns a successful racing stable and has won multiple prestigious titles, including the Preakness Stakes and the Breeders' Cup.
Early Career & Spyglass Entertainment Barber's ascent in the entertainment industry began at Morgan Creek Productions, where he served as Vice Chairman and COO, overseeing global hits such as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and the Ace Ventura franchise. In 1998, he co-founded Spyglass Entertainment with Roger Birnbaum. Under his leadership, the studio produced a string of critical and commercial successes, including The Sixth Sense, Seabiscuit, Memoirs of a Geisha, and 27 Dresses.
Leadership at MGM In 2010, Barber was appointed Co-Chairman and CEO of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). He is credited with steering the legendary studio out of bankruptcy and back into profitability during his eight-year tenure. During this time, he revitalised major franchises, most notably overseeing the global success of the James Bond and Rocky/Creed series.
Spyglass Media Group & Recent Success After departing MGM in 2018, Barber partnered with Lantern Entertainment to form Spyglass Media Group. The company has since become a powerhouse in genre filmmaking, successfully reviving the Scream franchise with Scream (2022), Scream VI, and the upcoming Scream 7. Spyglass has also secured strategic partnerships with major industry players like Lionsgate, Warner Bros., and Amazon.
Personal Life Beyond the film industry, Barber is a passionate sports fan and a leading figure in the world of horse racing. He owns a successful racing stable and has won multiple prestigious titles, including the Preakness Stakes and the Breeders' Cup.
