EXCLUSIVE: Ridley Scott has tapped Justin Alvarado Brown to become co-CEO at Scott Free, effective immediately. He had most recently been president and COO of the company. Based in Los Angeles, Brown will serve in the new role alongside co-CEO Luke Scott, who is based in London.
“I’m excited and honored to assume the role of co-CEO with Luke, and to work closely with him to chart the company’s course while navigating a time of significant transition in the industry. I’m grateful to Ridley and Luke for the trust they’ve placed in me to carry on the incredible legacy they’ve built over the past 50-plus years,” said Brown. “I have the utmost faith and confidence in the truly unparalleled leadership we have across our film and television groups, including David Zucker, Clayton Krueger, and Michael Pruss, all of whom I’ve had the privilege of working with for well over a decade. The most valuable asset of the company is our people. Their experience and leadership provide us with a significant competitive advantage in the market and will enable us to adapt to the challenges of the moment and ensure we’re well positioned as we steer the company into the future.”
In his new capacity, Brown will oversee Scott Free’s global film and television businesses and have an increased role in setting and executing the company’s strategy and growth plan. He will continue to oversee all deal-making and management of the company’s global operations.
“I’m delighted to see Justin move into his expanded leadership role,” Ridley Scott said. “He has been a dedicated and loyal member of the Scott Free family. Justin brings an inherent understanding of my company that is essential for its growth. Alongside the creative leadership of David Zucker, Mike Pruss, Clayton Krueger, Sharon Hughff and Elyse Seder, Scott Free will continue to grow and punch well above its weight.”
Brown joined Scott Free in 2010, was promoted to chief operating officer in 2012, and has served as president and COO since 2021.
“I look forward to further collaboration with Justin as we chart a course through these interesting times,” said Luke Scott. “With new creative opportunity and new economic models, we recognize the imperative for refreshed ambitions of a fully integrated creative group that will combine the unique capabilities of Scott Free and RSA. Scott Free is a formidable company with great ambition.”
Over the past year, some of Brown’s accomplishments include overseeing Ridley Scott and the company’s move to CAA; the extension of the company’s feature first-look deal with Disney; leading the relaunch of both the Scott Free UK scripted TV group, helmed by Hughff, and the U.S. non-scripted division, headed up by Seder; leading on the features side the negotiation of the company’s recent producing, co-production and production services deals on The Riders (A24), Echo Valley (Apple), Trap House and the Giannina Scott-produced Children of the Jungle in development at 20th Century Studios; helping on the scripted TV side navigate projects including Dope Thief (Apple), Alien: Earth (F/X) and Blade Runner (Amazon); and being part of the international team behind Prime Target (Apple), A Day of Fire (Amazon) and the upcoming Murder on the Orient Express non-scripted game show format (Netflix).
Recent film releases include House of Gucci, Napoleon, Gladiator II, Alien: Romulus and Echo Valley. Upcoming Scott Free films include The Dog Stars, The Untitled Bee Gees Project, Trap House and The Riders.
