“Ride Along” producer Matt Alvarez has joined Relativity Studios as executive VP of production and president of the company’s newly-formed multicultural division, it was announced Tuesday.
Alvarez, who has been behind some of the most successful multicultural films including the “Barbershop” franchise, will work on building out Relativity Studios’ growing slate with a focus on projects driven by diverse filmmakers.
Alvarez worked with Relativity on its upcoming release “Beyond the Lights,” will begin his new role this month.
“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 Relativity president Tucker 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 [Brenner] and their entire team on implementing our vision for a multicultural division.”
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The new division launches with “Beyond the Lights,” which stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw as a hot new music artist who is primed for superstardom. The film, which will be released in theaters on Nov. 14, co-stars Nate Parker, Minnie Driver, Colson MGK Baker and Danny Glover. Gina Prince-Bythewood wrote and directed the film, which was produced by Stephanie Allain, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Ryan Kavanaugh and Amar’e Stoudemire. Tooley and Alvarez serve as executive producers.
Alvarez began his career at New Line Cinema, where he worked on such films as “Rumble in the Bronx” and “Deconstructing Harry.” He later launched Cube Vision with legendary rapper/actor Ice Cube. While at Cube Vision, Alvarez produced such films as “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 the NWA biopic “Straight Outta Compton.”
A prolific producer, Alvarez’s theatrical box office revenues total more than $800 million worldwide.