Ex-HBO Max, Legendary Execs Launch Twin Pines Entertainment

Twin Pines Entertainment, a new studio focused on pro-sports movies, series and podcasts for America's heartland, launched on October 13, 2026, according to Variety. The company was founded by twin brothers Clint Kisker and Sean Kisker along with Jason Kander.

Clint Kisker serves as CEO, Sean Kisker as head of entertainment and Jason Kander as head of business development. The company is based in Kansas City, Missouri, with offices in Los Angeles and 12 employees.

Twin Pines plans to produce pro-sports movies, series and podcasts aimed at audiences in America's heartland. Several unscripted, scripted and podcast projects are in development in partnership with pro sports teams, though details are not being revealed yet.

Todd Lieberman, an Oscar-nominated producer and founder of Hidden Pictures, is serving as an adviser on Twin Pines' slate and packaging strategy.

The studio is backed by Toronto-based private equity firm Boardwalk Capital. Jordan Gnat, a managing partner at Boardwalk Capital, is involved with the firm's investment. Boardwalk Capital is not disclosing the investment amount.

Industry roots and inspirations

Clint Kisker previously held senior roles at Legendary Entertainment, including as EVP of business development, and co-founded Madison Wells Media with Gigi Pritzker. Sean Kisker was a founding executive of HBO Max when the streaming service launched under AT&T's ownership. The Twin Pines name references the Twin Pines Mall from the 1985 film Back to the Future.

Hollywood has a long history of tapping into sports stories from middle America, including Field of Dreams and Friday Night Lights. More recently, the Kansas City Chiefs partnered with Hallmark Channel on Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, and the Chicago Cubs have the scripted rom-com series Nine Innings to Love. Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac's Welcome to Wrexham is cited as an example of a team-linked entertainment project.