Laurie May, a pivotal figure in the Canadian film industry, is stepping down from her role as co-president of Elevation Pictures, the indie film distribution powerhouse she co-founded in 2013. This decision marks a significant shift in the company's leadership, with Noah Segal, her long-time co-president, taking the reins. The announcement comes as Elevation Pictures, backed by Teddy Schwarzman's Black Bear, prepares to showcase a robust lineup at the 2026 Toronto Film Festival, including high-profile titles like Neon's 'Fjord', which won the Palme D'or at Cannes, and A24's 'Club Kid' and 'The Debut'.
May's departure is a testament to her remarkable contributions to the company's success and growth over the past thirteen years. Her vision, commitment, and entrepreneurial leadership were instrumental in elevating Elevation Pictures to its current status as a leading indie distribution and production banner. In her own words, May expressed her pride in what she helped build at Elevation, stating, 'I am excited to now move forward and pursue my other passions.'
Schwarzman, a key investor in Elevation, paid tribute to May's impact, saying, 'The entire Elevation team recognizes and appreciates Laurie’s substantial contributions to Elevation’s creation, growth, and success. Her vision, commitment, and entrepreneurial leadership have been instrumental in building the company to what it is today, and we cannot thank her enough for the past thirteen years.'
Noah Segal, who has been a key figure alongside May, will now lead Elevation as president. Segal's leadership will be crucial in maintaining the company's momentum and continued success in the indie film distribution space. With a strong lineup of films set for release, including 'Backrooms' and 'Marty Supreme', Elevation Pictures is poised to continue its tradition of bringing Canadian and international arthouse and commercial titles to the theatrical marketplace.
May's departure from Elevation Pictures is a significant loss for the Canadian film industry, but it also opens up new opportunities for Segal and the company. As Elevation looks to the future, the industry will be watching closely to see how the company navigates this transition and continues to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of indie film distribution.
