Forest Whitaker has joined JuntoBox Films as co-chair of the independent film studio that aims to greenlight five films this year with $2.5 million in financing.
Whitaker, an actor, writer, director and producer, will play an active role in selecting, producing and marketing the chosen films with the aid of his production company, Significant Prods.
JuntoBox was developed as a social-media platform for filmmakers and fans to share ideas to create films and then collaborate to make them. Members rate and vote on projects that will ultimately be selected and greenlit.
JuntoBox founder Philippe Caland said JuntoBox is “aspiring to be part of a new business culture that aligns talented people in need of support with accomplished mentors who want to give something back and encourage the stars of the next generation. Forest is deeply involved in building the experience, function and creativity of JuntoBox Films, and his passion for the art of storytelling makes him the perfect partner for the JuntoBox community.”
“What is most exciting to me about JuntoBox Films is the way it empowers filmmakers and film lovers to connect and be heard; it’s a platform designed to aid and nurture that process,” Whitaker said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to hear all of the stories that will be coming out of JuntoBox and help give power to those voices.”
The JuntoBox digital team is led by Rachael McLean and Megan Westerby.
