NAIA CUCUKOV

FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/PRODUCER, FILM & TV

Naia Cucukov is a dynamic, innovative and conscientious producer and executive with twenty years of experience in the entertainment business. Naia has a passion for identifying inclusive, uplifting and inspiring projects in order to help them grow into movie and television magic.

A native of southern New Jersey, Naia grew up loving film and ultimately discovered her affinity for production while receiving her B.A. in Modern Culture and Media from Brown University. Like many entertainment executives before her, Naia started in Hollywood as an assistant at CAA, followed by a post at Legendary Pictures. She then made the transition into the role of Creative Executive at Bold Films followed by the opportunity to work with Sir Richard Branson as the Director of Development at Virgin Produced. 

During her ten year tenure at Walden Media, Naia cultivated a diverse slate of films and television projects. On behalf of Walden, she oversaw development and production for: The Giver, based on the bestselling book by Lois Lowry; Universal and Working Title’s Everest, based on the true story of the 1996 Everest disaster; Disney’s The BFG, a Steven Spielberg-directed adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved novel; A Dog’s Purpose and A Dog's Journey, parts one and two of the beloved series by W. Bruce Cameron; Sony Animation’s The Star; Lionsgate’s Wonder, based on the bestselling middle grade novel, Paramount's live action Dora the Explorer and Playing with Fire starring John Cena. Naia has executive produced the critically and commercially acclaimed two season series, The Baby-Sitters Club, for which she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's and Family Viewing Series. Other Producing/Executive Producing credits include: A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting with Netflix; the Tom Hank’s starring sci-fi film, Finch, with Amblin and Apple TV; and Rumble, an animated feature from Paramount Animation/Paramount Plus. Her next release will be the limited series, Manhunt, with Apple+ and Lionsgate TV.

In the summer of 2023, Naia left Walden to partner with writer/director, Adele Lim, to form a film and television company, 100 Tigers, focusing on cross-cultural, female forward commercial fare, and separately, she has co-founded the film and television fund, Working Barn Productions with her husband, Peter Richards.

Additionally, Naia starred in the Netflix documentary, The Claudia Kishi Club, that reflected on the impact of Claudia Kishi in the Asian-American community. Naia actively vocalizes her impact in the industry as the Vice Chair of CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), a creator of the AAPI female empowerment group, A+, Co-Chair for the LA Center for Reproductive Rights Gala, and is a member of the Television Academy, the PGA and Women in Film. She spends her free time with her daughter, Anya, husband Peter and miniature dachshund, Sharky.