Former MTV Exec Tapped by Gunpowder & Sky

Gunpowder & Sky has appointed David Gale as the company’s executive VP of development and production, effective June 1.

Gale will report to Gunpowder & Sky CEO Van Toffler, who founded the company alongside Floris Bauer. In his new role, Gale will lead a team to develop and produce content from movies, shorts, series and specials, across all platforms. Prior to joining Gunpowder & Sky, Gale was co-founder and CEO of We Are The Mighty (WATM), the largest multiplatform entertainment brand focused on the military community.

He also previously served as executive VP of MTV Films, MTVX and MTV New Media. At MTV Films, Gale, along with Toffler, released iconic movies such as Election, Napoleon Dynamite, Varsity Blues, Hustle & Flow, The Longest Yard, Tupac: Resurrection and The Original Kings of Comedy.

Toffler said, “David and I worked together first at MTV Films, seeking breakthrough young filmmakers and writers like Alexander Payne, Shonda Rhimes, Justin Lin, Jared Hess, Craig Brewer and Rick Famujiya—to name a few—who have all continued to push boundaries in film.”

He continued, “Subsequently, we launched an original digital content division at MTV where we created content—sometimes cinematic, and always loud—from Jackass 2.5 to shorts for the digital relaunch of the iconic animation brand ‘Liquid TV’ to ‘Super Videos’ directed by the likes of Drew Barrymore. He’s got killer taste, he’s a champion of novel storytelling, he has unequaled passion and he has the respect of the creative community. And, damn if he isn’t one of the finest humans I’ve ever met in my life. We’re honored to have him at Gunpowder & Sky where we will carry on the tradition of betting on bold, novel breakthrough talent and ideas.”

Gale said: “Van and Floris have made a big, bold move to build a new and unique studio with Gunpowder & Sky. In a very short time the company has become a home for the next generation of talented creators and has built a distinctive brand in key genres. Working in this arena has always been where my passion lies, and I couldn’t be more excited to join them.

“Leaving WATM is bittersweet, but the team in place will take it to new levels and continue the mission of giving veterans a platform to tell their stories, and have an authentic voice in media,” he added.