Stephen Hegyes
Co-Chairman, Brightlight Pictures
During his twenty years in the industry, Stephen Hegyes has garnered a reputation as a leading independent film and television producer. Having produced over twenty five feature films and television series which have been released around the world, Stephen has extensive knowledge and experience in the areas of development, financing, production and distribution. He founded Brightlight Pictures in 2001 with producer Shawn Williamson, and since then has guided the impressive growth and expansion of the company’s development and production slates.
Over the years, Stephen has fostered close relationships with banks, financiers, completion bonders, talent agencies, studios, broadcasters, sales agencies and distribution houses, as well as other production companies worldwide. These relationships have helped Stephen put together over $130M in financing for Brightlight's productions.
An expert in international co-productions, Stephen has produced films and television series that have shot all over the globe, utilizing funding agencies and co-production treaties to ensure high production values and to guarantee every dollar is seen on screen. Stephen has structured many successful co-productions with the UK, as well as an Australia/Singapore/Canada television series.
Stephen's most successful co-production to date, White Noise (starring Michael Keaton), was a Canada/UK co-production and has grossed more than $100 million since its release by Universal in 2005. Stephen also produced the Canada/UK feature Fifty Dead Men Walking (Ben Kingsley, Jim Sturgess) which was released theatrically in Summer 2009, and garnered a Spirit Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actress (Natalie Press).
Stephen has produced television series for Lionsgate, TNT, MTV’s The N Network, ION, CTV, Global Television, and Australia’s Nine Network. He is currently in preproduction on comedy superstar Brent Butt’s first feature film, No Clue.
Among a diverse slate of film and television productions, Stephen is developing feature film The Search for Isabella V, starring Natalie Portman, with Essential Pictures, and a pay cable dark comedy television series with Scott Free Television and The Movie Network.
Stephen has an MFA in Film and Television Production from the University of British Columbia, and has received several awards including: The Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA) Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2006, and Business Vancouver's 40 under 40 Award in 2004. Stephen was also nominated by Variety Magazine as "One of 50 to Watch".
