Film and television.
Global reach.

Yarek Danielak
Managing Director
Yarek Danielak is an international film and television executive with more than two decades of experience spanning global distribution, financing, acquisitions, and production.

Established in Los Angeles in 2006, Arsenal Pictures operates across the international entertainment marketplace, connecting filmmakers, financiers, distributors, and content platforms worldwide. As Managing Director, Danielak oversees the company's international activities, developing strategic partnerships, structuring cross-border transactions, and identifying new commercial opportunities.

His latest credits include serving as Executive Producer on Maggie, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Last Resort, starring Jon Foo. These projects complement his extensive background in international film financing, sales, and distribution.

Prior to Arsenal Pictures, Danielak held senior executive positions at Armada Pictures, a division of Germany's Kinowelt GmbH, Creative Union, and Franchise Pictures. At Armada, he established the international sales division and negotiated co-production and financing agreements, strengthening the company's international presence.

His earlier credits include The Whole Nine Yards, The Pledge, Get Carter, Madison, Tamara, and Drive-Thru.

Today, Danielak leads Arsenal Pictures' international business development, focusing on strategic partnerships, content acquisitions, and opportunities across the evolving global entertainment industry.

David Lipski
Marketing and Global Business Development
David Lipski most recently served as Vice President of Marketing Finance at CBS Films, where he managed the studio’s $100M+ annual theatrical prints and advertising spend. He oversaw all aspects of marketing finance—including creative, media, publicity, digital, and research.

He reported directly to the President and served as primary liaison between the marketing finance division, CBS Corporation, and distribution partner Lionsgate Entertainment. His responsibilities included structuring and monitoring film marketing budgets, negotiating vendor and music licensing agreements, and leading long-term strategic planning, reporting, and controls.

Prior to CBS Films, Mr. Lipski was Director of Finance and Operations at The Walt Disney Company. In that role, he oversaw finance, operations, product development, sales, and customer service support, while developing business plans, financial forecasts, and international sales strategies. He also worked on Disney’s digital expansion, including iTunes integration, aligning new initiatives with corporate strategy and positioning the company for competitive advantage in global markets.

Astrid Montgomery
Sales and Acquisitions
Before joining Arsenal Pictures, Astrid Montgomery worked as an independent consultant in production and finance, contributing to projects across Spain, Switzerland, Louisiana, New York, and Prague, collaborating with companies such as Washington Square Films (New York) and Sugar Studios (Hollywood).

Based between the United States and France, Ms. Montgomery has strong access to both American and European talent and projects. She earned her graduate degree from the University of Beijing and is currently completing her MBA at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. Fluent in French, Spanish, and English, she is a regular attendee at major international film markets, including Cannes, Berlin, and AFM.

Alex Sykes
Acquisitions Coordinator
Alex Sykes joined Arsenal Pictures in January 2020 after transitioning from the hospitality industry, where he spent four years leveraging his communications background.

He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2015 with a degree in Communications and a minor in Film Studies. Driven by his passion for film, Alex now serves as Arsenal’s Acquisitions Coordinator, supporting the company’s global slate.

Gabriel Danielak
New Media & Digital Strategy
Joined Arsenal Pictures in 2025, advising on social-first marketing, audience development, and emerging platform trends to strengthen Arsenal Pictures’ digital growth and positioning.

He has an academic background in Finance and Global Economics at Fordham University (New York), with a focus on the intersection of new media, technology, and market dynamics.

David Shear
Theatrical and Digital Distribution
Currently CEO of Shear Entertainment, a leading UK-based distribution consultancy, David Shear brings more than 20 years of experience in the film distribution sector. His clients have included MGM, Universal, Voltage, and top independent distributors such as Curzon and Signature.

He has overseen campaigns for acclaimed and commercially successful releases, including the Academy Award® winner Parasite and the post-COVID box office hit After We Collided, which grossed more than $5 million in the UK.

In addition, Shear heads up distribution for Lorton Entertainment, the financier behind Supersonic and Diego Maradona. Previously, he served as Head of Distribution at Revolver Entertainment and The Works, two of the UK’s most respected independent companies.

Barry J. Weiss
Advisory Board Member
Barry J. Weiss is a seasoned entertainment industry executive and legal strategist with decades of experience in studio operations, corporate affairs, intellectual property, licensing, and strategic business development.

During his tenure at MCA, Weiss held senior executive responsibilities in legal and business affairs, overseeing complex commercial negotiations, intellectual property management, licensing, and corporate initiatives.

His executive experience also extended to Universal, where he held senior business affairs responsibilities supporting the company's entertainment operations, commercial relationships, and strategic interests.

Following his work with MCA and Universal, Weiss returned to private practice, advising major entertainment companies, including Universal Television, on a broad range of legal and commercial matters. He subsequently served as Senior Vice President at Columbia House, overseeing major licensing agreements, corporate affairs, and strategic business initiatives.

Throughout his career, Weiss has contributed to industry policy and regulatory matters through his involvement with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), including initiatives addressing intellectual property rights, copyright protection, and industry practices.

A graduate of Columbia College, Weiss serves on the Advisory Board of Arsenal Pictures, bringing extensive experience in entertainment law, corporate strategy, and major-studio business operations.

Barrie M. Osborne
Creative
Barrie Osborne is an Academy Award®-winning producer, production manager, and director. He is best known for producing The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King earned the Oscar® for Best Picture, shared with Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh. His other producing credits include Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby (2013), starring Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as a diverse slate of acclaimed and commercially successful films across multiple decades.

Garry Smith
Finance
A seasoned finance and production executive with 20+ years as CEO of public film and TV companies, he co-founded Blueshore (Los Angeles & London) with Dayo Beverly in 2016 to provide film production finance and venture investment, raising capital for entertainment/media slates and select cross-sector opportunities.

He has secured an institutional financing partnership for film, TV, and music slates exceeding $250M, and previously took UK distributor The Works public on the London Stock Exchange, leading it to become a premier player in UK distribution. A Chartered Accountant and former City of London Investment Manager, he has served as Executive Producer on 40+ films with aggregate budgets over $400M (including Heartbreakers and How to Lose Friends), supports growth equity via Crew Ventures, and is a BAFTA Academy Circle member (since June 2017).

John Wheeler
CFO
CEO of Global Media Trade, advising media companies on global taxation and media investments.

He brings 30+ years of experience, including leadership roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young, with deep expertise in financial oversight, internal controls, and board-level reporting. He holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from USC and is a California-licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA).