Arsenal Pictures was founded in 2006 by industry veteran Yarek Danielak. For nearly two decades, the company has distinguished itself as a leading force in sales, distribution, production, and film financing, with a focus on motion pictures, television, and documentaries. Arsenal Pictures has built a reputation for excellence through collaborations with major studios including Warner Bros., Netflix, MGM, Disney, Sony, and Universal.
With offices in both Europe and the United States, the company maintains a strong global footprint and an active presence at all major markets: Berlin, Hong Kong, MIPTV, Cannes, MIPCOM, AFM, and Singapore as well as the world’s most prestigious film festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca, Toronto, and the New York Film Festival. This global reach and industry expertise enable Arsenal Pictures to remain at the forefront of emerging trends and market opportunities.
Arsenal’s executives are advised by a team of consultants and advisors including the former President of Paramount Pictures, a Chairman of MGM, and the former General Counsel of MCA-Universal. Arsenal has represented major film producers and significant studio releases such as:
Yarek DANIELAK
(Founder)
Mr. Danielak has been actively involved in the packaging and financing of numerous high-profile films and television series. His strategic alliance with Arnold Rifkin, former head of William Morris Agency (LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD), led to acclaimed titles including TIMBER FALLS and NIGHT TRAIN, starring Danny Glover, Leelee Sobieski, and Steve Zahn.
Yarek Danielak founded Arsenal Pictures in Los Angeles in 2006, recognizing the opportunities emerging from a rapidly evolving film and television landscape. He is currently developing a slate of projects designed to capitalize on paradigm shifts across media and global distribution platforms.
Before launching Arsenal Pictures, Mr. Danielak served as Vice President of Distribution at Armada Pictures, a division of German media giant Kinowelt GmbH. There, he established the company’s successful foreign sales division and negotiated international co-productions and co-financing agreements with multiple funds and banks. Under his leadership, Armada Pictures became a recognized player in the international marketplace, delivering films with talent including James Van Der Beek, Deborah Kara Unger, Jeremy Sisto, and Taye Diggs. He also positioned the company as a reputable producer of genre films, with releases such as Lionsgate’s TAMARA and DRIVE-THRU, Screen Gems’ PLAGUE (directed by Clive Barker), and DARK PLACES starring Leelee Sobieski (EYES WIDE SHUT).
Earlier in his career, Mr. Danielak held a Vice President role at Creative Union, where he secured financing and international distribution deals for titles including MADISON starring Jim Caviezel and ROUGH RIDERS with Wesley Snipes. He began his industry career at Franchise Pictures as Director of Distribution, where he worked on films such as THE WHOLE NINE YARDS and THE WHOLE TEN YARDS with Bruce Willis, THE PLEDGE with Jack Nicholson, and GET CARTER with Sylvester Stallone.
David LIPSKI
(Finance 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
(Acquisition 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.
Advisory Board
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 Jay REISS
(Legal)
A graduate of Columbia College, began his career in the music industry as a junior partner representing legendary artists such as Herman’s Hermits, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix. He later joined CBS Records, where he rose to Vice President of Talent Contracts.
When MCA Records launched Infinity Records on the East Coast, Reiss was appointed Executive Vice President. Following Infinity’s merger into MCA, he served as Vice President for Legal and Business Affairs across MCA Home Video, Universal Pay Television, and MCA Video Disc. He also oversaw Merchandising Corporation of America, MCA’s Trademark and Copyright division, and continued supporting MCA Records’ East Coast operations.
In 1989, Reiss re-entered private practice, representing clients such as U2, Valiant Comics, The Allman Brothers Band, and Universal Television. He later joined Columbia House as Senior Vice President of Business and Consumer Affairs, managing major licensing agreements, government affairs, consumer relations, and the launch of Columbia House’s first internet ventures.
Over the course of his career, Reiss has served on committees with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), including labor negotiations, anti-piracy, and copyright law revision. He has also held board and committee positions with the Association for Postal Commerce, the Direct Marketing Association, and the Music For Youth Foundation. He currently mentors with Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and was recently featured on Sky Radio’s “America’s Best Lawyers”.
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.