Team

Yarek Danielak - Founder

Yarek Danielak founded Arsenal Pictures in Los Angeles in 2006 in response to opportunities presented by the changing environment in the film and tv industry. Mr. Danielak is currently developing a slate of media programing designed to take advantage of paradigm shifts in the media landscape and distribution platforms. 

Mr. Danielak has also been involved in the packaging and financing of multiple high profile films and tv series. Mr. Danielak alliance with former head of WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY, Arnold Rifkin (LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD) birthed  highly acclaimed titlesTIMBER FALLS,  NIGHT TRAIN, starring Danny Glover, Leelee Sobieski and Steve Zahn.

 Prior to forming Arsenal, Mr. Danielak served as Vice-President of Distribution at Armada Pictures, a division of German Media Giant Kinowelt GMBH. He was responsible for launching the company’s successful foreign sales division, international coproductions and co-financing agreements with multiple funds and banks. 

 During his tenure, API became a significant player in the international marketplace with films that included such stars as James Van Der Beek, Deborah Kara Unger, Jeremy Sisto, Taye Diggs. He was also instrumental in positioning API as a well-regarded producer of high quality genre films such as Lions Gate Films’ releases, TAMARA and DRIVE-THRU, Screen Gems’ PLAGUE starring James Van Der Beek and directed by Clive Barker, and DARK PLACES starring Leelee Sobieski (EYES WIDE SHUT) among others.

Prior to API, Mr. Danielak held a Vice President post at Creative Union where he was in charge of securing deals with film funds and securing and negotiating international distribution agreements for films such as MADISON starring Jim Caviezel, ROUGH RIDERS with Wesley Snipes.Mr. Danielak started his industry career at Franchise Pictures where he held a post as a Director of Distribution.

During his time at Franchise Pictures where he worked with films such as WHOLE NINE YARDS, WHOLE TEN YARDS with Bruce Willis, THE PLADGE with Jack Nicholson, GET CARTER with Sylvester Stallone.

David Lipski – Finance and Global Business Development 

Most recently Mr. Lipski served as Vice President-Marketing Finance, CBS Films where he was responsible for managing marketing and distribution finance $100+ million annual theatrical Prints and Advertising Spend. Mr. Lipski did oversee all marketing spend including Creative, Advertising, Media, Research, Publicity and Digital reporting directly to the President of the company and was the primary contact between Theatrical Finance Marketing and all other divisions of CBS Corporation as well as the distributing partner: Lionsgate Entertainment. Additionally, his responsibilities included partnering with senior executives to develop, communicate & implement marketing plans that will align with the film’s budget. Negotiate and oversee all vendor and music licensing deals as well as other contractual obligations. Lead and design long term strategy, financial planning, reporting, and controls for the film’s theatrical marketing division. Prior to serving at CBS Films Mr. Lipski held post as a Director of Finance and Operations at The Wald Disney Company where his responsibilities included: Overseeing Finance, Operations, Product Development, Sales and Customer Service Support.
Develop and present overall business plan as well as annual operating plan and financial forecasts. Develop International sales expansion and Digital/iTunes integration and work with company’s executives to align new business to fit company’s philosophies as well as positioning to gain competitive advantage and global market penetration.

Astrid Montgomery - Sales and Acqusitions 

Prior to joining Arsenal Pictures, Astrid has worked in production and finance as an independent consultant. 

Ms. Mongomery was involved in productions spreading across Spain, Switzerland, Louisiana, New York and Prague with companies like Washington Square Films, based in New York and Sugar Studios based in Hollywood. 

Based in US and France Ms. Mongomery has great access to American and European talent and projects.

Ms Mongomery, received her graduate degree from University of Beijing and is currently completing MBA from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. She is fluent in French, Spanish, and English and attends all the major Film Markets including Cannes. Berlin, and the American Film Market.

Alex Sykes – Acquisition Coordinator

Alex joined Arsenal Pictures in January of 2020 after four years of using his Communications degree in the hospitality industry. He graduated in 2015 from the University of Oregon with a major in Communications and a minor in Film Studies. After several years of feeling unfulfilled, he decided to pursue his passion in film. Alex currently works as an acquisition’s coordinator.