Eden Rock founder was 60 years old – The Hollywood Reporter
Thomas Osburger
Courtesy of the Osburger family
Thomas Augsburger, producer, international film consultant, former Lionsgate board member, and founder of Eden Rock Media, has died. He was 60 years old.
Family members said Osburger died suddenly at his home in the Hollywood Hills on Tuesday Hollywood Reporter.
The German-born and trained lawyer is best known as the longtime advisor and North American representative of Herbert Kloeber’s small German conglomerate, Tele Muenchen Group (TMG). When Leonen acquired TMG in 2019, Augsburger continued to advise the company on film projects and acquisitions.
Over the course of more than two decades, Augsburger has acquired hundreds of film and television projects for the German market from producers, sales agents and studios, making him one of the most important figures on the independent scene. He helped secure advance buys for Marvel’s Iron ManThe pinnacle of entertainment twilight And Lionsgate John Wick And hunger Games Franchises, including recent prequels The Hunger Games: Song of Songbirds and Snakesas well as the next John Wick spin off ballet dancer. For the small screen, Augsberger has licensed the German-language rights to such hit series as flash point, Night manager And Anger control.
Augsburger and Kloeber bonded over their shared love of opera — Augsburger was a trained opera singer — and their passion for a deal. He also oversaw TMG’s investments in the United States, including, in 1999, the Munich group’s preferred investment in Lionsgate Entertainment and the acquisition of Mutual Film Library in 2006. He served on Lionsgate’s board of directors from 2002 to 2004.
“Thomas was absolutely unique and a special colleague in our business, creating so many wonderful memories during our 30 years of friendship,” said Lionsgate’s Joe Drake. “He was always thoughtful, articulate, strong and very human – that was his superpower. It’s no surprise that he was so loved and had so many friends. We will miss him terribly and our hearts go out to his family.”
Former Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment president Patrick Wachsberger added: “I miss an amazing friend with the most beautiful singing voice; Amazingly bright fellow. Thomas is irreplaceable. “A huge loss to anyone who had the amazing opportunity to know him.”
In 2002, Augsburger founded the production and media consulting company Eden Rock Media. He has developed and produced more than 15 independently financed feature films, including starring Kevin Costner Mr. Brooks, Tucker and Dale vs. EvilAnd Solacestarring Anthony Hopkins, Colin Farrell, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Abbie Cornish.
“I’m devastated. “Thomas was a one-of-a-kind character – one that you don’t find anymore today – and most of all a friend,” said Fred Coghill of Leonine. “My thoughts are with his family, as they will get through this terrible loss.”
In addition to Eden Rock, Augsberger was a founding partner of Filmaka, BestEverChannels, and Liquid Light. He has also served on the boards of BEC, Liquid Light, US PVOD, and the selling platform ROW8. Most recently, Augsberger executive produced the TV series ProfessionalsStarring Brendan Fraser and Tom Welling Spy City With Dominic Cooper.
“Knowing Thomas for 30 years, I have never ceased to admire his zest for life and essential optimism,” said Toby Emmerich, executive producer of Barbie And an old friend. “I knew him well as a friend, a passionate film producer, and a loving and deeply committed husband and father. And on the amazing front, an opera singer, former model, and a shockingly fast and agile tennis and soccer player! (Thomas) will be missed by all who knew him.”
male One ready player Screenwriter Zak Penn, another old friend: “There are people you rarely hear about who are as responsible for movies as any director, writer or star. People like Thomas Augsberger — the smart, sunny, relentless force of nature who wanted so many movies to come into being.” “He was a great lawyer, producer, athlete, opera singer, and most of all, a husband and father. It pains me to know that I will never hear that deep voice again, and I will miss him terribly.”
Osburger is survived by his wife, Jana, and daughters, Tessa Lilly and Helena Lucia. and his son Nicholas Alfred.
