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Followed by a Q & A with Jon Mone, President of Westbrook Productions and Executive Producer Heather Washington
“Emancipation” tells the triumphant story of Peter (Will Smith), a man who escapes from slavery, relying on his wits, unwavering faith and deep love for his family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom.
MPAA has rated the movie R due to strong racial violence, disturbing images, and language.
“A brutal but gripping look at the horrors of slavery.” – Jordan Hoffman, TV Guide
“…it centers on Will Smith’s outstanding, understated performance.” – John Nugent, Empire Magazine
Jon Mone
In 2019 veteran film production executive Jon Mone was named by Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith as co-president of Westbrook Studios and head of motion pictures. He executive produced Oscar winner “King Richard”.
Mone joined Westbrook Studios following seven years as an executive vice president of production at Universal where he oversaw such films including the Academy Award nominated film “Straight Outta Compton” and box office hit “Ted 2” in addition to “The Voyage of Dr. Dolittle” and “The Invisible Man.”
Before joining Universal, Mone served as an executive at Scott Stuber’s Universal-based Bluegrass Films, where he executive produced “Ted”, starring Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis. The 2012 comedy was Universal’s highest-grossing picture that year.
Jon Mone was born and raised on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Heather Washington
With over a decade of experience in feature film development and production, Heather is Senior Vice President of Motion Pictures Development at Westbrook Studios, a global entertainment company. She most recently served as Executive Producer on EMANCIPATION for Apple.
Prior to this, she was the Director of Development at Will Packer Productions where she was a part of the producing team behind GIRLS TRIP, BREAKING IN, NIGHT SCHOOL, WHAT MEN WANT, LITTLE and THE PHOTOGRAPH. From 2013 to 2017, Heather managed the Universal Pictures Emerging Writers Fellowship, a program designed to identify and cultivate new and unique voices with a passion for storytelling. From 2010 to 2013, she honed her film development, production, marketing and publicity skills in the Universal Pictures Leadership Program, a studio executive training program. Heather previously practiced corporate and entertainment law in her hometown of Atlanta, GA at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP and DLA Piper. She is a graduate of Howard University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
