Now headquartered in Santa Monica, Ca., Lions Gate has risen quickly to become one of the most financially successful midsize studios in North America. It was founded in 1998 by Frank Giustra, a colourful former investment banker, utilizing a reverse takeover of a TSX-listed gold miner. Mr. Giustra is no longer active in the day-to-day operations of the firm, but he remains on the board. Lions Gate has had a string of Hollywood hits, but also bought up Trimark Holdings and Artisan Entertainment. Lions Gate now controls a catalogue of 13,000 films including numerous blockbusters.