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{{short description|American film producer}}

{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Oren Koules
| name = Oren Koules
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| birth_name =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1961|01|31}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1961|01|31}}
| baptism_date =
| birth_place = [[La Grange Park, Illinois|La Grange Park]], [[Illinois]]
| birth_place = [[La Grange Park, Illinois|La Grange Park]], [[Illinois]]
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) -->
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) -->
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}}
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'''Oren Koules''' (born January 31, 1961)<ref name="Birth">{{cite web |url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=8990 |title=Oren Koules|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=www.hockeydb.com |publisher=The Internet Hockey Database |access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> is an American [[entrepreneur]], [[film producer]], and [[Chief executive officer|professional sports executive]]. Alongside [[Mark Burg]], he formed [[Evolution Entertainment]], which produced the [[Saw (franchise)|''Saw'' film series]] and the [[CBS]] television series, ''[[Two and a Half Men]]''.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news | last =Lidz | first =Franz | title =Limbs Pile Up, and Money, Too | newspaper =[[The New York Times]]| date =21 October 2009 | url =https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/25/movies/25lidz.html?pagewanted=all | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> He is the former majority owner, CEO, and Governor of the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] of the [[National Hockey League]].<ref name="NBC">{{cite news | last =Reitz | first =Matt | title =Oren Koules contemplates future NHL ownership while son participates in Research and Development Camp| publisher = [[NBC Sports]]| date =17 August 2011 | url =http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/17/oren-koules-contemplates-future-nhl-ownership-while-son-participates-in-research-and-development-camp/ | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> He is the former owner of the [[Helena Bighorns]], a [[junior ice hockey]] team in the [[North American 3 Hockey League]]<ref name="IR01">{{cite news | last =Shockley | first =Troy | title =Bighorns' Cunningham resigns coaching position | newspaper =[[Independent Record]]| date =10 June 2014 | url =http://helenair.com/sports/hockey/bighorns-cunningham-resigns-coaching-position/article_68d26818-f12c-11e3-b8d4-001a4bcf887a.html | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> until he sold the team in 2017.<ref name = "NewOwners">{{cite web |url=http://na3hl.com/news/story.cfm?id=21145 |title=Helena Bighorns announce new ownership |publisher=NA3HL |date=May 18, 2017}}</ref>
'''Oren Koules''' (born January 31, 1961)<ref name="Birth">{{cite web |url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=8990 |title=Oren Koules|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=www.hockeydb.com |publisher=The Internet Hockey Database |access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> is an American [[entrepreneur]] and [[film producer]]. He is the co-founder of [[Evolution Entertainment]] and produced the [[Saw (franchise)|''Saw'' film series]] as well as the [[CBS]] television series ''[[Two and a Half Men]]''.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news | last =Lidz | first =Franz | title =Limbs Pile Up, and Money, Too | newspaper =[[The New York Times]]| date =21 October 2009 | url =https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/25/movies/25lidz.html?pagewanted=all | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> Koules is also the former owner of the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] and the [[Helena Bighorns]].<ref name="NBC">{{cite news | last =Reitz | first =Matt | title =Oren Koules contemplates future NHL ownership while son participates in Research and Development Camp| publisher = [[NBC Sports]]| date =17 August 2011 | url =http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/17/oren-koules-contemplates-future-nhl-ownership-while-son-participates-in-research-and-development-camp/ | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="IR01">{{cite news | last =Shockley | first =Troy | title =Bighorns' Cunningham resigns coaching position | newspaper =[[Independent Record]]| date =10 June 2014 | url =http://helenair.com/sports/hockey/bighorns-cunningham-resigns-coaching-position/article_68d26818-f12c-11e3-b8d4-001a4bcf887a.html | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="NewOwners">{{cite web |url=http://na3hl.com/news/story.cfm?id=21145 |title=Helena Bighorns announce new ownership |publisher=NA3HL |date=May 18, 2017}}</ref>


==Early life and sports career==
== Early life ==
Koules was born and raised in [[La Grange Park, Illinois|La Grange Park]], [[Illinois]], a suburb of [[Chicago]].<ref name="Birth" /> As a child, he took [[figure skating]] lessons where he developed an interest in playing ice hockey, later dropping out of high school to pursue a career as a professional hockey player.


== Career ==
Koules was born and raised in [[La Grange Park, Illinois|La Grange Park]], [[Illinois]], a suburb of [[Chicago]].<ref name="Birth"/> His grandparents are of [[Greeks|Greek]] ancestry. As a child, he was sent to [[figure skating]] lessons but eventually garnered an interest in playing ice hockey. He dropped out of high school to pursue a career as a professional hockey player. From 1979 to 1982, Koules competed in the [[Western Hockey League]]. He played for six teams throughout his career, including the [[Medicine Hat Tigers]], [[Portland Winter Hawks]], [[Brandon Wheat Kings]], and [[Spokane Flyers (junior)|Spokane Flyers]].<ref name="TBT01">{{cite news | last =Barry | first =John | title =In Lightning trio, he's Mr. Hollywood | newspaper =[[Tampa Bay Times]]| date =19 August 2007 | url =http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/19/Lightning/In_Lightning_trio__he.shtml | access-date =16 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520012306/http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/19/Lightning/In_Lightning_trio__he.shtml|archive-date=May 20, 2014}}</ref> He played for three professional teams in 1982: [[Hampton Roads Gulls]], [[Virginia Raiders]], and [[Saginaw Gears (IHL)|Saginaw Gears]]. His best year was in 1980 with the Spokane Flyers when he scored 28 goals with 45 assists for a total of 73 points.<ref name="Birth"/>
=== Early career; hockey and commodities ===
Koules competed in the [[Western Hockey League]] from 1979 to 1982. During his career he played for six different teams, including the [[Medicine Hat Tigers]], [[Portland Winter Hawks]], [[Brandon Wheat Kings]], and [[Spokane Flyers (junior)|Spokane Flyers]].<ref name="TBT01">{{cite news | last =Barry | first =John | title =In Lightning trio, he's Mr. Hollywood | newspaper =[[Tampa Bay Times]]| date =19 August 2007 | url =http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/19/Lightning/In_Lightning_trio__he.shtml | access-date =16 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520012306/http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/19/Lightning/In_Lightning_trio__he.shtml|archive-date=May 20, 2014}}</ref> His final year he played for the [[Hampton Roads Gulls]], [[Virginia Raiders]], and [[Saginaw Gears (IHL)|Saginaw Gears]]. His best year was in 1980 with the Spokane Flyers when he scored 28 goals with 45 assists for a total of 73 points.<ref name="Birth" />


He was not drafted by an NHL team, but he attended two tryout camps for his hometown [[Chicago Blackhawks]].<ref name="IR02">{{cite news | title =A miracle brings hockey to Helena | newspaper =[[Independent Record]]| date =29 August 2001 | url =http://helenair.com/sports/article_ca58c944-c3af-5370-8f19-245af23fd6bd.html | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> After his hockey career, Koules became a commodities trader at the [[Chicago Mercantile Exchange]] in 1983.<ref name="TBT01"/> He was one of the youngest members on the floor and eventually purchased a full membership to the Exchange. He sold his seat and left the exchange in good standing in 1991.<ref name="MG">{{cite news | title =2009-10 Lightning Media Guide | publisher = [[SB Nation]]| date =2009 | url =http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/223799/Tampa_Bay_Media_Guide.pdf | access-date =18 March 2015}}</ref>
Koules was not drafted by an NHL team, but he attended two tryout camps for his hometown [[Chicago Blackhawks]].<ref name="IR02">{{cite news | title =A miracle brings hockey to Helena | newspaper =[[Independent Record]]| date =29 August 2001 | url =http://helenair.com/sports/article_ca58c944-c3af-5370-8f19-245af23fd6bd.html | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> After his hockey career, Koules became a commodities trader at the [[Chicago Mercantile Exchange]] in 1983.<ref name="TBT01" /> He was one of the youngest members on the floor and eventually purchased a full membership to the Exchange. He sold his seat and left the exchange in good standing in 1991.<ref name="MG">{{cite news | title =2009-10 Lightning Media Guide | publisher = [[SB Nation]]| date =2009 | url =http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/223799/Tampa_Bay_Media_Guide.pdf | access-date =18 March 2015}}</ref>


=== Film career and sports ===
==Career==
Upon arriving in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]], Koules was introduced to former ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' reporter, [[Dale Pollock]], and the two formed Peak Productions soon after. Together, they produced films like ''[[Mrs. Winterbourne]]'' and ''[[Set It Off (film)|Set It Off]]''. The early success of Peak Productions led Koules to a job as the Senior Vice President of Production at [[Paramount Pictures]].<ref name="TBT01" /> In 1998, Koules founded [[Evolution Entertainment]] along with film producer [[Mark Burg]], with their first major production being the 2002 [[thriller film]] ''[[John Q.]]'' starring [[Denzel Washington]].<ref name="TBT01" /> In 2001, Koules became the owner of the Helena Bighorns, a [[Junior ice hockey|Junior A hockey team]], also purchasing the Helena Ice Area.<ref name="IR02" /><ref name="IR03">{{cite news | last =Mendyke | first =Thomas | title =Bighorns making a splash in Helena | newspaper =[[Independent Record]]| date =15 November 2002 | url =http://helenair.com/sports/bighorns-making-a-splash-in-helena/article_d2a79888-2eca-5d48-b845-35f3064c5948.html | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref>


In 2003, Koules and [[Mark Burg]] saw a seven-minute teaser of a film written by Australian screenwriters, [[Leigh Whannell]] and [[James Wan]], and agreed to produce the film. The film would later become the original ''[[Saw (2004 film)|Saw]]'' film that was
Upon Arriving in [[Hollywood]], Koules was introduced to former ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' reporter, [[Dale Pollock]], and the two formed Peak Productions soon after. Together, they produced films like ''[[Mrs. Winterbourne]]'' and ''[[Set It Off (film)|Set It Off]]''. The early success of Peak Productions led Koules to a job as the Senior Vice President of Production at [[Paramount Pictures]].<ref name="TBT01"/> In 1998, Koules and Mark Burg founded Evolution Entertainment. They produced the [[Denzel Washington]]-led [[thriller film]], ''[[John Q]]'' which was released in 2002.<ref name="TBT01"/> In 2001, Koules purchased the Helena Bighorns, a Junior A hockey team, and the Helena Ice Arena.<ref name="IR02"/><ref name="IR03">{{cite news | last =Mendyke | first =Thomas | title =Bighorns making a splash in Helena | newspaper =[[Independent Record]]| date =15 November 2002 | url =http://helenair.com/sports/bighorns-making-a-splash-in-helena/article_d2a79888-2eca-5d48-b845-35f3064c5948.html | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref>
released in 2004.<ref name="NYT" /> The budget for the film was $1.2 million with $1 million of the funding coming direct from Koules and Burg. Production was done under a newly formed subsidiary of Evolution Entertainment called [[Twisted Pictures]]. The film turned in the [[Saw (franchise)|''Saw'' franchise]] with the [[Saw II|sequel]] released in 2005 and the franchise making $420 million at the box office by 2007.<ref name="TBT01" /> Evolution Entertainment was also responsible for the production of ''[[Two and a Half Men]]'' starting in 2003.<ref name="NYT" />


In 2007, Koules started his pursuit to purchase the Tampa Bay Lightning from [[Palace Sports and Entertainment]].<ref name="TBT02">{{cite news | last =Barancik | first =Scott | title =New Lightning owners take risks in careers, sports | newspaper =[[Tampa Bay Times]]| date =8 August 2007 | url =http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/08/Lightning/New_Lightning_owners_.shtml | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> In 2008, he agreed to purchase the team through OK Hockey LLC, an investment group he controlled, for $206 million.<ref name="ESPN">{{cite news | title =NHL must still approve sale of Lightning to producer | publisher = [[ESPN]]| date =13 February 2008 | url =https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3244685 | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="Ledge">{{cite news | last =Goodall | first =Fred | title =Lightning Will Introduce New Coach Today | newspaper =[[The Ledger]]| date =24 June 2008 | url =http://www.theledger.com/article/20080624/NEWS/806240443?p=1&tc=pg | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> The group sold the team to [[Jeffrey Vinik]], a minority owner in the [[Boston Red Sox]], for $160 million in 2010.<ref name="ESPN2">{{cite news | title =Sale of Lightning to Vinik complete | publisher = [[ESPN]]| date =3 March 2010 | url =https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=4963077 | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref>
In 2003, Koules and Mark Burg saw a seven-minute teaser of a film written by Australian screenwriters, [[Leigh Whannell]] and [[James Wan]]. Koules and Burg were "stunned"<ref name="NYT"/> and they agreed to produce what would later become the original ''[[Saw (2004 film)|Saw]]'' film. They used $1 million out of pocket for funding and shot the film in 18 days. They also created a subsidiary of Evolution Entertainment called [[Twisted Pictures]] to produce the film. ''Saw'' was released in 2004 and was followed up by a [[Saw II|sequel]] in 2005. By 2007, the ''Saw'' franchise hit $420 million at the box office.<ref name="TBT01"/> By 2011, the series had made roughly $870 million at the box office.<ref name="Dead">{{cite news | last =Fleming, Jr. | first =Mike | title =Evolution's Mark Burg Cashes Out Oren Koules, Names Mike Menchel President | website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]| date =23 June 2011 | url =https://deadline.com/2011/06/evolutions-mark-burg-cashes-out-oren-koules-names-mike-menchel-president-142690/ | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> Evolution Entertainment was also responsible for the production of ''Two and a Half Men'' starting in 2003.<ref name="NYT"/>


In June 2011, Koules sold his ownership in Evolution Entertainment, but continued to own and oversee the ''Saw'' franchise and ''Two and a Half Men''.<ref name="Dead">{{cite news | last =Fleming | first =Mike Jr. | title =Evolution's Mark Burg Cashes Out Oren Koules, Names Mike Menchel President | website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]| date =23 June 2011 | url =https://deadline.com/2011/06/evolutions-mark-burg-cashes-out-oren-koules-names-mike-menchel-president-142690/ | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> The Saw franchise has grossed more than {{US$|1 billion|long=no|link=yes}} from [[box office]] and retail sales as of 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rubin |first1=Rebecca |title='Spiral' Pushes 'Saw' Franchise Past $1 Billion at Global Box Office |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/spiral-saw-franchise-billion-dollar-box-office-1234979765/ |website=Variety |date=23 May 2021 |access-date=5 April 2022}}</ref>
In August 2007, Koules started his pursuit to purchase the Tampa Bay Lightning from [[Palace Sports and Entertainment]].<ref name="TBT02">{{cite news | last =Barancik | first =Scott | title =New Lightning owners take risks in careers, sports | newspaper =[[Tampa Bay Times]]| date =8 August 2007 | url =http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/08/Lightning/New_Lightning_owners_.shtml | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> In February 2008, OK Hockey LLC, a group including Koules, agreed to purchase the team.<ref name="ESPN">{{cite news | title =NHL must still approve sale of Lightning to producer | publisher = [[ESPN]]| date =13 February 2008 | url =http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3244685 | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> The deal offered by the 8-person ownership group (which included [[Len Barrie]]) was approved by the NHL in June 2008 for a price of $206 million.<ref name="Ledge">{{cite news | last =Goodall | first =Fred | title =Lightning Will Introduce New Coach Today | newspaper =[[The Ledger]]| date =24 June 2008 | url =http://www.theledger.com/article/20080624/NEWS/806240443?p=1&tc=pg | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> By February 2010, [[Jeffrey Vinik]], a minority owner in the [[Boston Red Sox]], had agreed to purchase the Lightning for $160 million. The sale was unanimously approved by the NHL Board of Governors the following month.<ref name="ESPN2">{{cite news | title =Sale of Lightning to Vinik complete | publisher = [[ESPN]]| date =3 March 2010 | url =http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4963077 | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> In August 2011, Koules expressed interest in one day owning an NHL franchise again.<ref name="NBC"/>


Koules produced the 2021 horror film ''[[Spiral (2021 film)|Spiral: From the Book of Saw]]'', a spin-off and the ninth installment of the Saw film series.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ferme |first1=Antonio |title=21 Savage Drops ‘Saw’-Inspired Video for ‘Spiral’: A Look Behind the Scenes |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/21-savage-video-spiral-saw-movie-1234963760/ |website=Variety}}</ref> He also produced the 2023 horror film ''[[Saw X]]'' which served as both a direct sequel to Saw (2004) and a prequel to Saw II (2005).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whitaker |first1=Richard |title=The Jigsaw Is Family: Saw X Producers Explain What Makes a Saw Movie |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/screens/2023-10-02/the-jigsaw-is-family-saw-x-producers-explain-what-makes-a-saw-movie/ |website=Austin Chronicle |access-date=15 April 2024}}</ref> Koules partnered with his son [[Miles Koules]] in 2022 to form the film production company Koules Productions.<ref name="DeadGrobar">{{cite web |last1=Grobar |first1=Matt |title=Former Pro Hockey Player Miles Koules Launches Koulest Productions, Will Develop ‘Ski Weekend’ Thriller With Oren Koules |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/miles-koules-launches-koulest-productions-developing-ski-weekend-film-1235006706/ |website=Deadline}}</ref> He signed a multi-picture deal with [[Republic Pictures]] through Twisted Pictures in 2024. The first film, ''Trust'', began production by both Oren and Miles in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grobar |first1=Matt |title=Katey Sagal, Billy Campbell & Rhys Coiro Among Additions To Sophie Turner Thriller ‘Trust’ |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/katey-sagal-billy-campbell-rhys-coiro-join-sophie-turner-thriller-trust-1235869934/ |website=Deadline}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Galluppo |first1=Maria |title=Sophie Turner to Star in Thriller ‘Trust’ for Republic Pictures (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sophie-turner-to-star-in-thriller-1235824572/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>
In June 2011, Koules sold his ownership in Evolution Entertainment, but continues to own and oversee the ''Saw'' franchise and ''Two and a Half Men''.<ref name="Dead"/>


==Personal life==
== Personal life ==


Koules married talent agent, Risa Shapiro, in 1994. They had one son, [[Miles Koules|Miles]], in that same year.<ref name="TBT01"/> Miles Koules is currently a professional ice hockey player, playing for the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL (Columbus Blue Jackets).<ref name="OR">{{cite news | last =Sepich | first =Scott | title =Winterhawks' Miles Koules 'loving it' in Portland, hoping his pro hockey dream has Hollywood ending | newspaper =[[The Oregonian]]| date =9 February 2015 | url =http://www.oregonlive.com/hawks/index.ssf/2015/02/winterhawks_miles_koules_lovin.html | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> Koules and Shapiro separated in 2005 and eventually divorced in 2007.<ref name="LAT">{{cite news | last =Horn | first =John | title =Split of Hollywood couple unfolds like a horror film| newspaper =[[Los Angeles Times]]| date =25 June 2007 | url =https://articles.latimes.com/2007/jun/25/entertainment/et-divorce25 | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> In 2008, Koules married [[Shereen Arazm]], a businesswoman and [[restaurateur]]. They met by happenstance on a flight from [[Toronto]] to [[Los Angeles]] where Koules was filming ''Saw II'' and where Arazm is originally from.<ref name="LAw">{{cite news | last =Nelson | first =Steffie | title =Clubland Empire| newspaper = [[LA Weekly]]| date =20 June 2007 | url =http://www.laweekly.com/la-life/clubland-empire-2149383 | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> The pair have two daughters together, Sam and Neve.<ref name="TS">{{cite news | last =Consiglio | first =Alex | title =Top Chef Canada judge Shereen Arazm Koules always makes it home for dinner| newspaper =[[Toronto Star]]| date =3 June 2013 | url =https://www.thestar.com/life/parent/2013/06/03/top_chef_canada_judge_shereen_arazm_koules_always_makes_it_home_for_dinner.html | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref>
Koules married talent agent Risa Shapiro in 1994. They had one son, [[Miles Koules|Miles]], in that same year.<ref name="TBT01" /> Miles Koules is currently a professional ice hockey player, playing for the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL (Columbus Blue Jackets).<ref name="OR">{{cite news | last =Sepich | first =Scott | title =Winterhawks' Miles Koules 'loving it' in Portland, hoping his pro hockey dream has Hollywood ending | newspaper =[[The Oregonian]]| date =9 February 2015 | url =http://www.oregonlive.com/hawks/index.ssf/2015/02/winterhawks_miles_koules_lovin.html | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> Koules and Shapiro separated in 2005 and eventually divorced in 2007.<ref name="LAT">{{cite news | last =Horn | first =John | title =Split of Hollywood couple unfolds like a horror film| newspaper =[[Los Angeles Times]]| date =25 June 2007 | url =https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jun-25-et-divorce25-story.html | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> In 2008, Koules married [[Shereen Arazm]], a businesswoman and [[restaurateur]]. They met by happenstance on a flight from [[Toronto]], where Arazm is originally from, to [[Los Angeles]] where Koules was filming ''Saw II''.<ref name="LAw">{{cite news | last =Nelson | first =Steffie | title =Clubland Empire| newspaper = [[LA Weekly]]| date =20 June 2007 | url =http://www.laweekly.com/la-life/clubland-empire-2149383 | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref> The pair have two daughters together, Sam and Neve.<ref name="TS">{{cite news | last =Consiglio | first =Alex | title =Top Chef Canada judge Shereen Arazm Koules always makes it home for dinner| newspaper =[[Toronto Star]]| date =3 June 2013 | url =https://www.thestar.com/life/parent/2013/06/03/top_chef_canada_judge_shereen_arazm_koules_always_makes_it_home_for_dinner.html | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref>


==Filmography==
== Filmography ==
He was a producer in all films unless otherwise noted.


===Producer===
=== Film ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
! '''Year'''
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film
! '''Title'''
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Credit
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Notes
|-
|-
|rowspan=2| 1996 || ''[[Mrs. Winterbourne]]'' || ||
| 2021
| ''[[Spiral: From the Book of Saw]]''
|-
|-
| ''[[Set It Off (film)|Set It Off]]'' || ||
| 2017
| ''[[Jigsaw (2017 film)|Jigsaw]]''
|-
|-
| 1999 || ''[[Black and White (1999 drama film)|Black and White]]'' || Executive producer ||
| 2010
| ''[[The Tortured]]''
|-
|-
| 2000 || ''[[Lockdown (2000 film)|Lockdown]]'' || ||
| 2010
| ''[[Lottery Ticket (2010 film)|Lottery Ticket]]''
|-
|-
|rowspan=2| 2001 || ''[[Good Advice (film)|Good Advice]]'' || ||
| 2010
| ''[[Saw 3D]]''
|-
|-
| ''[[Diary of a Sex Addict]]'' || || Direct-to-video
| 2009
| ''[[Saw VI]]''
|-
|-
|rowspan=3| 2002 || ''[[Run Ronnie Run!]]'' || ||
| 2008
| ''[[Saw V]]''
|-
|-
| ''[[John Q.]]'' || ||
| 2008
| ''[[Repo! The Genetic Opera]]''
|-
|-
| ''Malevolent'' || Executive producer ||
| 2007
| ''[[Catacombs (2007 film)|Catacombs]]''
|-
|-
|rowspan=2| 2003 || ''[[Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd]]'' || ||
| 2007
| ''[[Dead Silence]]''
|-
|-
| ''[[Love Don't Cost a Thing (film)|Love Don't Cost a Thing]]'' || Executive producer ||
| 2007
| ''[[Saw IV]]''
|-
|-
| 2004 || ''[[Saw (2004 film)|Saw]]'' || ||
| 2006
| ''[[Saw III]]''
|-
|-
| 2005 || ''[[Saw II]]'' || ||
| 2005
| ''[[Saw II]]''
|-
|-
| 2006 || ''[[Saw III]]'' || ||
| 2004
| ''[[Saw (2004 film)|Saw]]''
|-
|-
|rowspan=3| 2007 || ''[[Dead Silence]]'' || ||
| 2003
| ''[[Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd]]''
|-
|-
| ''[[Catacombs (2007 film)|Catacombs]]'' || ||
| 2003
| ''[[Lockdown]]''
|-
|-
| ''[[Saw IV]]'' || ||
| 2002
| ''[[John Q]]''
|-
|-
|rowspan=3| 2008 || ''[[Repo! The Genetic Opera]]'' || ||
| 2002
| ''[[Run Ronnie Run]]''
|-
|-
| ''[[Saw V]]'' || ||
| 2001
| ''[[Diary of a Sex Addict]]''
|-
|-
| ''Vlog'' || Executive producer ||
| 1996
|-
| ''[[Mrs. Winterbourne]]'
| 2009 || ''[[Saw VI]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| 1996
| ''[[Set It Off (film)|Set It Off]]''
|rowspan=3| 2010 || ''[[Lottery Ticket (2010 film)|Lottery Ticket]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[The Tortured]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Saw 3D]]'' || ||
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Jake Squared]]'' || Executive producer ||
|-
| 2017 || ''[[Jigsaw (2017 film)|Jigsaw]]'' || ||
|-
| 2021 || ''[[Spiral (2021 film)|Spiral: From the Book of Saw]]'' || ||
|-
| 2023 || ''[[Saw X]]'' || ||
|}
|}


;As an actor
===Executive producer===

{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! '''Year'''
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
! '''Title'''
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film
! '''Notes'''
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Notes
|-
|-
| 2004 || ''[[Saw (2004 film)|Saw]]'' || Dead Cellmate || <small>Uncredited</small>
| 2008
| ''Vlog''
| TV series
|-
|-
| 2007 || ''[[Saw IV]]'' || The Man ||
| 2005-2006
|}
| ''[[Love, Inc. (TV series)|Love, Inc.]]''

| TV series
;Thanks

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role
|-
| {{center|{{TableTBA}}}} || ''He Helped Me: A Fan Film from the Book of Saw'' || Special thanks
|}

=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Title
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Credit
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Notes
|-
| 2003 || ''The Three Amigos'' || || Documentary
|-
| 2004 || ''[[The Casino (American TV series)|The Casino]]'' || ||
|-
| 2005−06 || ''[[Love, Inc. (TV series)|Love, Inc.]]'' || Executive producer ||
|-
| 2008 || ''Vlog'' || Executive producer ||
|-
| 2003−12 || ''[[Two and a Half Men]]'' || Executive producer ||
|}

==Awards and recognition==

Koules has been nominated and won numerous awards. He received three [[Primetime Emmy Award]] nominations for his work on ''Two and a Half Men'' and won both a TV Land Award for his work on the same and a [[National Association of Theatre Owners|ShoWest Award]] for his work on the ''[[Saw (franchise)|Saw film series]]''.

===Primetime Emmy Awards===
{| class=wikitable
|-
! scope="col" style="width:5em;" | Year
! scope="col" style="width:26em;"| Category
! scope="col" style="width:25em;"| Nominated work
! scope="col" style="width:5em;" | Result
! Ref.
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|[[58th Primetime Emmy Awards|2006]] || rowspan=3|[[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series|Outstanding Comedy Series]] || rowspan=3|''[[Two and a Half Men]]'' || {{nom}} ||<ref>{{cite web |last1=Weisman |first1=John |title=Comedy Series |url=https://variety.com/2006/scene/awards/comedy-series-3-1200339062/ |website=Variety}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|[[59th Primetime Emmy Awards|2007]] || {{nom}} ||<ref>{{cite web |title=Emmys produces names |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/emmys-produces-names-148613/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;", rowspan=2|[[60th Primetime Emmy Awards|2008]] || {{nom}}||<ref>{{cite web |last1=Appelo |first1=Tim |title=‘Two and a Half Men’: 5 Reasons the Show Won’t Try for a Best Comedy Emmy |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/two-a-men-5-reasons-187561/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>
|-
|}

===TV Land Awards===
{| class=wikitable
|-
! scope="col" style="width:5em;" | Year
! scope="col" style="width:26em;"| Category
! scope="col" style="width:25em;"| Nominated work
! scope="col" style="width:5em;" | Result
! Ref.
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|[[TV Land Award#2009|2009]] || [[TV Land Award|TV Land Future Classic Award]]||''[[Two and a Half Men]]'' || {{win}} ||<ref>{{cite web |title=The Seventh Annual TV Land Awards to Honor 'M*A*S*H,' 'Married with Children,' 'Home Improvement,' 'Magnum P.I.,' 'Knots Landing' and 'Two and a Half Men' Among Others |url=https://www.paramount.com/press/the-seventh-annual-tv-land-awards-to-honor-mash-married-with-children-home-improvement-magnum-pi-knots-landing-and-two-and-a-half-men-among-others |website=Paramount}}</ref>
|-
|}

===ShowWest Awards===
{| class=wikitable
|-
|-
! scope="col" style="width:5em;" | Year
| 2003-2011
! scope="col" style="width:26em;"| Category
| ''[[Two and a Half Men]]''
! scope="col" style="width:25em;"| Nominated work
| TV series
! scope="col" style="width:5em;" | Result
! Ref.
|-
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|2007 || [[National Association of Theatre Owners|ShoWest Award of Excellence in Producing]]||''[[Saw (franchise)|Saw film series]]'' || {{win}} ||<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kilday |first1=Gregg |title=Burg and Koules to get ShoWest producing nod |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/burg-koules-get-showest-producing-131694/ |website=Hollywood Reporter |access-date=15 April 2024}}</ref>
| 2003
| ''[[Love Don't Cost a Thing (film)|Love Don't Cost a Thing]]''
|
|-
|-
| 2000
| ''[[Black & White (2000 film)|Black and White]]''
|
|}
|}


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb name|0467977}}
* {{IMDb name|0467977}}
* {{hockeydb|8990}}
* {{icehockeystats}}

{{Twisted Pictures}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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Latest revision as of 05:50, 14 August 2024

Oren Koules
Born (1961-01-31) January 31, 1961 (age 63)
La Grange Park, Illinois
NationalityAmerican
Occupation(s)Entrepreneur, film producer, professional sports executive
SpouseShereen Arazm

Oren Koules (born January 31, 1961)[1] is an American entrepreneur and film producer. He is the co-founder of Evolution Entertainment and produced the Saw film series as well as the CBS television series Two and a Half Men.[2] Koules is also the former owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Helena Bighorns.[3][4][5]

Early life

[edit]

Koules was born and raised in La Grange Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.[1] As a child, he took figure skating lessons where he developed an interest in playing ice hockey, later dropping out of high school to pursue a career as a professional hockey player.

Career

[edit]

Early career; hockey and commodities

[edit]

Koules competed in the Western Hockey League from 1979 to 1982. During his career he played for six different teams, including the Medicine Hat Tigers, Portland Winter Hawks, Brandon Wheat Kings, and Spokane Flyers.[6] His final year he played for the Hampton Roads Gulls, Virginia Raiders, and Saginaw Gears. His best year was in 1980 with the Spokane Flyers when he scored 28 goals with 45 assists for a total of 73 points.[1]

Koules was not drafted by an NHL team, but he attended two tryout camps for his hometown Chicago Blackhawks.[7] After his hockey career, Koules became a commodities trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in 1983.[6] He was one of the youngest members on the floor and eventually purchased a full membership to the Exchange. He sold his seat and left the exchange in good standing in 1991.[8]

Film career and sports

[edit]

Upon arriving in Hollywood, Koules was introduced to former Los Angeles Times reporter, Dale Pollock, and the two formed Peak Productions soon after. Together, they produced films like Mrs. Winterbourne and Set It Off. The early success of Peak Productions led Koules to a job as the Senior Vice President of Production at Paramount Pictures.[6] In 1998, Koules founded Evolution Entertainment along with film producer Mark Burg, with their first major production being the 2002 thriller film John Q. starring Denzel Washington.[6] In 2001, Koules became the owner of the Helena Bighorns, a Junior A hockey team, also purchasing the Helena Ice Area.[7][9]

In 2003, Koules and Mark Burg saw a seven-minute teaser of a film written by Australian screenwriters, Leigh Whannell and James Wan, and agreed to produce the film. The film would later become the original Saw film that was released in 2004.[2] The budget for the film was $1.2 million with $1 million of the funding coming direct from Koules and Burg. Production was done under a newly formed subsidiary of Evolution Entertainment called Twisted Pictures. The film turned in the Saw franchise with the sequel released in 2005 and the franchise making $420 million at the box office by 2007.[6] Evolution Entertainment was also responsible for the production of Two and a Half Men starting in 2003.[2]

In 2007, Koules started his pursuit to purchase the Tampa Bay Lightning from Palace Sports and Entertainment.[10] In 2008, he agreed to purchase the team through OK Hockey LLC, an investment group he controlled, for $206 million.[11][12] The group sold the team to Jeffrey Vinik, a minority owner in the Boston Red Sox, for $160 million in 2010.[13]

In June 2011, Koules sold his ownership in Evolution Entertainment, but continued to own and oversee the Saw franchise and Two and a Half Men.[14] The Saw franchise has grossed more than $1 billion from box office and retail sales as of 2021.[15]

Koules produced the 2021 horror film Spiral: From the Book of Saw, a spin-off and the ninth installment of the Saw film series.[16] He also produced the 2023 horror film Saw X which served as both a direct sequel to Saw (2004) and a prequel to Saw II (2005).[17] Koules partnered with his son Miles Koules in 2022 to form the film production company Koules Productions.[18] He signed a multi-picture deal with Republic Pictures through Twisted Pictures in 2024. The first film, Trust, began production by both Oren and Miles in 2024.[19][20]

Personal life

[edit]

Koules married talent agent Risa Shapiro in 1994. They had one son, Miles, in that same year.[6] Miles Koules is currently a professional ice hockey player, playing for the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL (Columbus Blue Jackets).[21] Koules and Shapiro separated in 2005 and eventually divorced in 2007.[22] In 2008, Koules married Shereen Arazm, a businesswoman and restaurateur. They met by happenstance on a flight from Toronto, where Arazm is originally from, to Los Angeles where Koules was filming Saw II.[23] The pair have two daughters together, Sam and Neve.[24]

Filmography

[edit]

He was a producer in all films unless otherwise noted.

Film

[edit]
Year Film Credit Notes
1996 Mrs. Winterbourne
Set It Off
1999 Black and White Executive producer
2000 Lockdown
2001 Good Advice
Diary of a Sex Addict Direct-to-video
2002 Run Ronnie Run!
John Q.
Malevolent Executive producer
2003 Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd
Love Don't Cost a Thing Executive producer
2004 Saw
2005 Saw II
2006 Saw III
2007 Dead Silence
Catacombs
Saw IV
2008 Repo! The Genetic Opera
Saw V
Vlog Executive producer
2009 Saw VI
2010 Lottery Ticket
The Tortured
Saw 3D
2013 Jake Squared Executive producer
2017 Jigsaw
2021 Spiral: From the Book of Saw
2023 Saw X
As an actor
Year Film Role Notes
2004 Saw Dead Cellmate Uncredited
2007 Saw IV The Man
Thanks
Year Film Role
TBA
 He Helped Me: A Fan Film from the Book of Saw Special thanks

Television

[edit]
Year Title Credit Notes
2003 The Three Amigos Documentary
2004 The Casino
2005−06 Love, Inc. Executive producer
2008 Vlog Executive producer
2003−12 Two and a Half Men Executive producer

Awards and recognition

[edit]

Koules has been nominated and won numerous awards. He received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work on Two and a Half Men and won both a TV Land Award for his work on the same and a ShoWest Award for his work on the Saw film series.

Primetime Emmy Awards

[edit]
Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2006 Outstanding Comedy Series Two and a Half Men Nominated [25]
2007 Nominated [26]
2008 Nominated [27]

TV Land Awards

[edit]
Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2009 TV Land Future Classic Award Two and a Half Men Won [28]

ShowWest Awards

[edit]
Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2007 ShoWest Award of Excellence in Producing Saw film series Won [29]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Oren Koules". www.hockeydb.com. The Internet Hockey Database. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  2. ^ a b c Lidz, Franz (21 October 2009). "Limbs Pile Up, and Money, Too". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  3. ^ Reitz, Matt (17 August 2011). "Oren Koules contemplates future NHL ownership while son participates in Research and Development Camp". NBC Sports. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  4. ^ Shockley, Troy (10 June 2014). "Bighorns' Cunningham resigns coaching position". Independent Record. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  5. ^ "Helena Bighorns announce new ownership". NA3HL. May 18, 2017.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Barry, John (19 August 2007). "In Lightning trio, he's Mr. Hollywood". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on May 20, 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  7. ^ a b "A miracle brings hockey to Helena". Independent Record. 29 August 2001. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  8. ^ "2009-10 Lightning Media Guide" (PDF). SB Nation. 2009. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  9. ^ Mendyke, Thomas (15 November 2002). "Bighorns making a splash in Helena". Independent Record. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  10. ^ Barancik, Scott (8 August 2007). "New Lightning owners take risks in careers, sports". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  11. ^ "NHL must still approve sale of Lightning to producer". ESPN. 13 February 2008. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  12. ^ Goodall, Fred (24 June 2008). "Lightning Will Introduce New Coach Today". The Ledger. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  13. ^ "Sale of Lightning to Vinik complete". ESPN. 3 March 2010. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  14. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (23 June 2011). "Evolution's Mark Burg Cashes Out Oren Koules, Names Mike Menchel President". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  15. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (23 May 2021). "'Spiral' Pushes 'Saw' Franchise Past $1 Billion at Global Box Office". Variety. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  16. ^ Ferme, Antonio. "21 Savage Drops 'Saw'-Inspired Video for 'Spiral': A Look Behind the Scenes". Variety.
  17. ^ Whitaker, Richard. "The Jigsaw Is Family: Saw X Producers Explain What Makes a Saw Movie". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  18. ^ Grobar, Matt. "Former Pro Hockey Player Miles Koules Launches Koulest Productions, Will Develop 'Ski Weekend' Thriller With Oren Koules". Deadline.
  19. ^ Grobar, Matt. "Katey Sagal, Billy Campbell & Rhys Coiro Among Additions To Sophie Turner Thriller 'Trust'". Deadline.
  20. ^ Galluppo, Maria. "Sophie Turner to Star in Thriller 'Trust' for Republic Pictures (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
  21. ^ Sepich, Scott (9 February 2015). "Winterhawks' Miles Koules 'loving it' in Portland, hoping his pro hockey dream has Hollywood ending". The Oregonian. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  22. ^ Horn, John (25 June 2007). "Split of Hollywood couple unfolds like a horror film". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  23. ^ Nelson, Steffie (20 June 2007). "Clubland Empire". LA Weekly. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  24. ^ Consiglio, Alex (3 June 2013). "Top Chef Canada judge Shereen Arazm Koules always makes it home for dinner". Toronto Star. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  25. ^ Weisman, John. "Comedy Series". Variety.
  26. ^ "Emmys produces names". The Hollywood Reporter.
  27. ^ Appelo, Tim. "'Two and a Half Men': 5 Reasons the Show Won't Try for a Best Comedy Emmy". The Hollywood Reporter.
  28. ^ "The Seventh Annual TV Land Awards to Honor 'M*A*S*H,' 'Married with Children,' 'Home Improvement,' 'Magnum P.I.,' 'Knots Landing' and 'Two and a Half Men' Among Others". Paramount.
  29. ^ Kilday, Gregg. "Burg and Koules to get ShoWest producing nod". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
[edit]
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