Chris Rice has announced that he will be stepping down as co-CEO of CJ ENM’s Fifth Season at the conclusion of this year.
Graham Taylor, who has co-led the company with Rice since its inception in 2017 under the name Endeavor Content, will continue as the sole chief executive.
Rice shared his decision to resign with Fifth Season staff on Friday, indicating that his current employment contract is set to expire. His departure follows a notable achievement for the company this year, as it led the television industry in Emmy nominations, highlighted by the outstanding performance of the Apple TV+ drama “Severance,” produced in partnership with Ben Stiller’s Red Hour Films.
“Fifteen years ago, I embarked on a journey at WME alongside Graham after running my own production company. We were a small cohort of producers, sales agents, and distribution experts aiming to innovate how film and television could be produced, financed, and distributed from within a talent agency,” Rice elaborated.
“We recognized early on that creative talents deserved more ownership over their rights, that stories could emerge from a broader array of voices, and that film and television would begin to merge more creatively,” Rice commented in his announcement.
“It has been an unimaginable journey leading me to inform you that by the end of this year, coinciding with the conclusion of my contract, I will be embarking on a new chapter, entrusting the company to Graham’s capable leadership as the sole CEO. After four years of nurturing the business following its separation from Endeavor, it is time for me to move on to my next entrepreneurial endeavor,” he stated.
Rice will maintain a presence within Fifth Season as a consultant for strategic projects as well as through a first-look deal established with the company. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Taylor for their collaborative efforts over the years in building the business.
“My partnership and friendship with Graham have been significantly influential and among the most rewarding relationships I’ve ever experienced. His fervor, discernment, and drive for exceptional film and television are matched only by his kindness and generosity towards his colleagues,” Rice expressed.
Fifth Season grew from the innovative film and TV financing unit developed by Rice and Taylor within WME over a decade ago. By 2017, that initial venture evolved into Endeavor Content. Under pressure from the Writers Guild of America’s campaign between 2019 and 2020, Endeavor was compelled to relinquish a controlling stake in Endeavor Content due to potential conflicts of interest. CJ ENM acquired Endeavor Content for $775 million in late 2021, with the company rebranding as Fifth Season in 2023.
Under Rice’s leadership, notable productions affiliated with Fifth Season and Endeavor Content include acclaimed series such as BBC America’s “Killing Eve,” AMC’s “The Night Manager,” Hulu’s “Normal People,” “Life & Beth,” “Nine Perfect Strangers,” and Apple TV+’s “Chief of War,” and “Truth Be Told.”
Prior to his tenure at Endeavor Content, Rice built a career as a producer in London.
Here is the complete memo Rice shared with Fifth Season staff:
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Fifteen years ago, after running my own production business, I took a leap at WME with Graham. We started as a small team of producers, sales agents, and distribution executives aiming to revolutionize the production, financing, and distribution of film and television from within a talent agency. We identified the necessity for creatives to have more control over their rights; we recognized the importance of diversifying storytelling; and we foresaw the creative convergence of film and television.
This journey has culminated towards a moment I never anticipated — today, I share that at the end of this year, as my contract concludes, I will step away to embrace a new chapter. I leave the company in the capable hands of Graham as he steps into the role of sole CEO. Having led our growth for four years post-Endeavor, it’s time for me to explore new entrepreneurial opportunities.
This wouldn’t have been feasible without the remarkable support from Ari Emanuel, Mark Shapiro, and Endeavor, which enabled Graham and me to establish Endeavor Content in 2017. We set out to create what I believe is the leading independent television studio, film producer, and distributor globally. The transition to our second phase as FIFTH SEASON came with the backing of Endeavor and investments from CJ ENM and Toho Studios — two prominent Asian content powerhouses. I am immensely grateful for the support from Miky, Hiro, Pious, and Koji.
While there are numerous projects I’m proud of, our commitment to backing distinctive and unique stories reached a pinnacle this year with “Severance,” which became the second-most-nominated season of television in 77 years of Emmy history, ultimately winning eight awards. This Emmy season involved contributions from every division and person within the company, accumulating a total of 36 nominations across six series and films. It was an incredibly proud moment for both Graham and me, as well as for all of you.
At FIFTH SEASON, we have gathered an extraordinary group of creatives, innovators, builders, and passionate storytellers, enabling great artists and talent. I am deeply proud of every milestone we have reached together and grateful for the relationships I’ve built that I hope to last a lifetime.
Graham and I have enjoyed a profound partnership, and I consider it one of the most fulfilling relationships of my life. His passion, taste, and commitment to excellence in film and television are outmatched only by his kindness towards those he works with.
Although I will not be far, I will continue to advise the company and work on several FIFTH SEASON projects while returning to my production roots through a first-look deal with the studio.
I will fulfil my current responsibilities until the year closes, closing this chapter with immense gratitude. I eagerly anticipate the future of FIFTH SEASON under Graham’s leadership and the guidance of the fantastic Kasee Calabrese by his side. I have every confidence in their ability to propel the business further.
While a handshake is available, I look forward to future collaborations — albeit in a different capacity.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Chris
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