Jonathan D. Krane has been a force for change in the film industry. A
graduate of both St. John's College and Yale University School of Law,
his background in classical studies and law paved the way for him to
identify five fundamental principles as its foundation. Implementing
theories based on these principles, he has been able to achieve a high
level of success as an industry leader.
His career began in 1980 through a partnership with director
Blake Edwards. As co-founder of
"Blake Edwards Entertainment" and an Executive Producer on all of
Edwards' films, Krane learned the ins and outs of the business from a
key position as the first producer/manager. From there, he easily
transformed into a studio mogul. His studio, Management Company
Entertainment Group (MCEG), was the first talent
management/studio/production company, and the highest performing
entertainment stock of 1988.
At MCEG, Krane focused on talent, putting
Kim Basinger,
Bruce Willis and
Bridget Fonda in their first films.
Managing over 150 clients, he also produced successful studio and
independent films keeping low budgets and high production values.
Kuck' mal wer da spricht! (1989)
remains one the most profitable comedies ever, costing $7.5 million to
make, grossing $140 million at the domestic box office, and earning
over $450 million in all media worldwide. As a testament to his
success, out of the 340 films that have grossed $100 million or more at
the box office, Krane produced eight.
Im Körper des Feindes (1997) made over $240 million.
Phenomenon - Das Unmögliche wird wahr (1996) made over $142
million. Michael (1996), which opened
against Jerry Maguire: Spiel des Lebens (1996) in the
Christmas of '96 to a staggering $27 million, made approximately $120
million. Mit aller Macht (1998) was
chosen to open the '98 Cannes Film Festival.
Wehrlos - Die Tochter des Generals (1999)
made over $100 million and broke all records for dramatic video sales.
Overall, Krane has produced 46 movies, both studio and independent.
Recognized throughout his career for his work, Krane has received
numerous awards and honors including "The Hollywood Visionary Award" in
2000 from the Hollywood Film Festival, a nomination for the Independent
Spirit Awards for Best First Feature for
The Chocolate War (1988), an
issue of Daily Variety dedicated to his 20-year career, The People's
Choice Award for
Kuck' mal wer da spricht! (1989), as
well as The Golden Palm Award at the Palm Beach International Film
Festival for
Mutter, du sollst sterben (1995), which
he co-wrote and produced.
Krane has hosted seminars across the country on how to break into the
film industry, and lectured at both the AFI Conservatory and USC. For
fourteen years, his educational home was the UCLA Extension School,
where he taught Motion Picture Production and Talent Management. By
2003, Krane undertook a lifelong dream of writing a comprehensive
textbook on the industry. "A Revolutionary Approach to the Art and
Science of Moviemaking" outlines a system by which movies can be
produced both efficiently and profitably. Through its vision, this book
has formed the basis of the curriculum for an innovative film institute
Krane founded in 2005, the Krane Academy. It has also helped form the
guiding principles of Krane's newest venture, The Edge, which will
produce, finance, and distribute 15 films a year.
