Producer Matt Alvarez has been brought in as evp of production and president of Relativity Studios’ new division.

Alvarez will develop Relativity Studios’ slate with a focus on projects by diverse filmmakers. He commences work this month.

The new venture launches with Beyond The Lights, on which Alvarez served as executive producer. The film follows the story of award-winning artist Noni Jean and opens on November 14.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nate Parker, Minnie Driver, Colson MGK Baker and Danny Glover star and Prince-Bythewood wrote and directed.

Stephanie Allain, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh and Amar’e Stoudemire produced and Relativity president Tucker Tooley is executive producer alongside Alvarez.

“Matt Alvarez is one of the most creative and successful executives in our industry and is the perfect person to build out our new multicultural division,” said Tooley. “He has a keen eye, remarkable relationships and an incredible track-record. We have had a great experience working with him on Beyond The Lights and look forward to building off that success.”

“Relativity is a wonderful home for filmmakers and creative talent as I learned while collaborating with them on Beyond The Lights,” said Alvarez. “I am excited to work with Tucker, Robbie and their entire team on implementing our vision for a multicultural division.”

Alvarez began his career at New Line where he worked on Rumble In The Bronx and Deconstructing Harry. He subsequently launched Cube Vision with Ice Cube, where he produced Next Friday, the Barbershop franchise, the Are We There Yet? franchise and All About the Benjamins. 

Most recently, he produced Ride Along and is currently producing Ride Along 2 and NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton.

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