Biography

Todd Wagner's dynamic blend of entrepreneurial spirit, business expertise and philanthropic commitment have resulted in the creation of some of the media industry's most successful and compelling digital, intellectual and physical properties. His commitment to bringing consumers the best entertainment experiences, while creating new and effective business models, is evident across all of his current endeavors. Wagner's first significant mark in the media business came when he and partner Mark Cuban co-founded "Broadcast.com", which they later sold to Yahoo! for $5.7 billion in 1999. Using this success as a platform, Wagner fused his passion for entertainment with his business portfolio to build the "Wagner/Cuban Companies". This innovative portfolio of companies spans content creation, distribution and exhibition: "2929 Productions", "HDNet Films", "Magnolia Pictures", "Landmark Theatres", "HDNet" and "HDNet Movies". As CEO, Wagner has been the driving visionary behind important films, such as the Oscar-nominated Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005) and Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005), as well as Akeelah and the Bee (2006) and The Road (2009) (November 2009). He is currently developing his next passion project, The Chosen Few (2002), a film about the landmark Korean War battle. In addition, Wagner is honored to serve on the American Film Institute's Board of Trustees.

Wagner also has a stake in the Dallas Mavericks, and he continues to invest in and nurture start-ups. He holds interests in "Lions Gate Entertainment", "The Weinstein Company" and "Peace Arch Entertainment". Additionally, he is founder and co-chairman of "Content Partners LLC", a company that invests in the back-end profit participations of Hollywood talent. Wagner also continues to invest in and nurture a variety of technology and media start-ups.

In addition to his business endeavors, Wagner has committed his personal resources and innovation to bettering the lives of children throughout the country through his own charitable foundation. Established in 2000, "The Todd Wagner Foundation" has dedicated millions of dollars to improving the lives of at-risk children and inner-city communities. One of the Foundation's most significant initiatives is "Miracles", a structured after-school program focusing on technology, education and life skills for children in grades 6-12. The Foundation recently made a substantial grant that unites the Miracles curriculum with The Boys & Girls Clubs of America's (BGCA) technology program "Club Tech" to reach and help millions of kids, nationwide.

The Todd Wagner Foundation's other involvements include serving on the national board of directors of the "After-School All-Stars", which offers year-round technology, academic, sports and cultural programs for inner-city children. The Foundation was also instrumental in providing funding to bring the nationally recognized "KIPP" (Knowledge is Power Program) charter schools to Dallas in 2003 and to his hometown of Gary, Indiana, in 2006.

Whether it is for his business interests or his philanthropic work, Wagner's results-driven, sea-change approach is consistent. From introducing streaming audio and video to the Internet over a decade ago, to telling unique stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, to innovating programs to equip inner-city children with needed technology skills - Wagner insists on supporting entrepreneurial, inspirational and socially conscious endeavors.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: H. K.