After 20 years of groundbreaking content and world-changing impact campaigns, Participant Media, founded by eBay co-founder Jeff Skoll, is shutting down. Skoll announced the news in a note to staff, stating that it was a difficult decision but the right time to evaluate his next chapter.
Participant Media was known for its dual mission of making money and inspiring social change through entertainment. The company produced award-winning films like Green Book and Moonlight, as well as documentaries such as An Inconvenient Truth and RBG. It earned over $3.3 billion at the box office, won 21 Oscars, and 18 Emmys during its run.
The company was heavily involved in the nonfiction space, with half of its 135 features being documentaries. Its impact on the industry was significant, with films like Contagion, Good Night, and Good Luck, and Roma sparking global conversations and driving real-world change.
Skoll expressed gratitude to the global community of Participants for their dedication and hard work, acknowledging their role in building a category-defining media pioneer. He also praised the next generation of storytellers and content creators who are continuing the work of inspiring positive social change through entertainment.
As Participant Media comes to a close, Skoll is confident that the legacy of the company will live on through its people, stories, and the impact it has had on the industry. The ripple effects of Participant’s work can be felt far and wide, and Skoll believes that what they started together is just the beginning.
