Hammerstone Studios Appoints Karina Manashil as SVP of Creative and Brand Development

Hammerstone Studios has announced the appointment of Karina Manashil as the senior vice president (SVP) of creative and brand development. With over a decade of experience in the media and entertainment industry, Manashil previously founded and led Kaijo, a production company dedicated to original and adapted intellectual property (IP). In her new role, she is expected to facilitate Hammerstone's expansion into various sectors, including publishing, merchandising, gaming, and live events, while also enhancing its film slate.

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Manashil's appointment aligns with Hammerstone's ambition to diversify its content offerings. The indie production company has produced 18 films in less than eight years and is now venturing into video game adaptations, anime, and star-driven original projects. Her previous collaborations include the animated feature "Slime," which features a star-studded cast including Willow Smith, Kid Cudi, and John Boyega. Additionally, Manashil co-founded Mad Solar with Kid Cudi, contributing to projects like the Amazon Prime documentary “A Man Named Scott” and the A24 film trilogy “X,” “Pearl,” and “MaXXXine.”

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Alex Lebovici, founder and CEO of Hammerstone Studios, expressed confidence in Manashil's capabilities, stating, “Karina is brilliant and her web of connections run throughout the industry. She’s the kind of leader we need as Hammerstone enters its next phase of growth.” Manashil herself remarked on the partnership, saying, “It is a total honor to partner with Alex Lebovici and the team at Hammerstone... My goal has been to create content that speaks to culture, and I am so excited to be a part of a team that lives that vision.”

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Hammerstone Studios is currently in post-production on several projects, including David Sandberg’s “Kung Fury The Movie,” Gabriel Basso’s directorial debut “Iconoclast,” featuring actors Courtney Eaton and Noah Centineo, and Elegance Bratton’s “By Any Means,” starring Mark Wahlberg and Yahya Abdul Mateen II. These projects reflect the studio's commitment to producing culturally relevant content.

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While the appointment of Manashil has been met with enthusiasm, some industry observers question the effectiveness of expanding into multiple sectors simultaneously. Critics argue that such diversification could dilute the company's focus on film production, potentially impacting the quality of its content.

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As Hammerstone Studios integrates Manashil's vision into its operations, the company is poised to explore new creative avenues and partnerships. The success of its upcoming projects will likely influence its strategic direction in the evolving entertainment landscape.

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