Stephen Emery, a producer at Big Swell Entertainment, died unexpectedly following a workout at a Los Angeles gym on Saturday. He was 46.
A cause of death has not been determined, but Emery had survived a heart attack five years ago.
“Everyone that had the pleasure to know Stephen Emery is heartbroken over the sudden loss of one of our own,” said Big Swell founder Andy Horwitz. “Stephen was much more than an invaluable producer, he was also an irreplaceable friend.”
Prior to Big Swell, which was launched last year, Emery was Head of Film & TV at The Solution Entertainment Group from 2016 until 2022, developing, packaging, and producing a wide slate for both film and television. He co-executive produced Wheelman directed by Jeremy Rush and starring Frank Grillo for Netflix; and executive produced Killerman directed by Malik Bader and starring Liam Hemsworth; Line of Duty, directed by Steven C. Miller starring Aaron Eckhart; Honest Thief, directed by Mark Williams starring Liam Neeson; and the upcoming Werewolves, directed by Steven C. Miller and starring Frank Grillo.
From 2008 through 2015, Emery served as Executive Vice President of production and development at Circle of Confusion, where he executive produced the action-comedy Mr. Right, directed by Paco Cabezas and starring Anna Kendrick and Sam Rockwell; the action-thriller Wake, directed by John Pogue starring Bruce Willis, Ben Kingsley and Ellen Burstyn; and the low budget horror film Satanic, directed by Jeff Hunt starring Sarah Hyland.
Emery started his career at Creative Artists Agency where he worked in the motion picture talent department for three years before moving to positions at DreamWorks and Focus Features. From there he became a production executive at Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Motion Pictures where he oversaw Aeon Flux for Paramount Pictures. He followed that up by running Bill Gerber’s company at Warner Bros. where they produced Major Movie Star for Avi Lerner’s Millennium Films and Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino for Warner Bros.
Frequent collaborators and friends Tai Duncan and Dave Brown said, “Stephen was a gifted producer and a dear friend. We worked together at every stage of our career and were inspired by his joyful approach to filmmaking and zest for life. Stephen’s passing comes with great shock, especially after he survived and thrived after a sudden heart attack while running a triathlon in 2018. His loss will be felt deeply in the community but his true friendship will be remembered and celebrated, always.”
A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Emery graduated from The University of San Diego, where he was a member of the NCAA Division One FCS Varsity Football Team.
“Stephen grew up with a camcorder in his hand making movies in our backyard and he found his calling in Hollywood,” said his brother Shawn Gillis. “Stephen was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend who connected us all and inspired all to chase their dreams.”
In addition to his brother Shawn, he is survived by partner Chloe Christian, mother Jan Emery, father Tony Emery, brother Paul Gillis, and nieces and nephews.
Emery’s family asks that donations be made in his name to No Kill Los Angeles/Best Friends Animal Society.