Optimist Pictures
The first picture.
Optimist Pictures was established and released “The Lower Circle,” beginning its work in independent film.
THE COMPANY
Diverse interests.
Shared ambition.
A diversified group with consolidated interests in media, entertainment and businesses that serve people every day.
LSO Media Group was established in 2026 through the merger of Luigi Scarcelli Official, Optimist Pictures and NEWS NEXT. The group subsequently acquired a 45% stake in Connection TV, becoming its largest shareholder, and expanded its interests beyond media through full acquisitions and controlling investments.
Discussions began in 2025, when Luigi Scarcelli Official approached several of these businesses with a proposal to consolidate under common ownership. Following extensive negotiations, the participating companies agreed to restructure and transfer ownership to a newly formed parent organization, LSO Media Group.
Today, LSO Media Group provides corporate oversight and strategic direction across its portfolio. Our approach brings the interests of the whole group into focus, supporting continuity, responsible investment and the development of new opportunities.
Media & entertainmentHospitalityCredit & financial counselingConsumer goods procurement
CORPORATE TIMELINE
The milestones
behind the group.
Our story begins with the companies and productions that came before LSO Media Group. Follow their development from independent film to television, international programming and the formation of a diversified group in 2026.
Dates marked “c.” are approximate.
c.
Independent film
c.
A move into television
Optimist Pictures · PMC Channel 5
A programming partnership.
Optimist Pictures signed a partnership with PMC Channel 5 to produce content for the network’s channels and help fill its programming schedule.
Friday PM
Friday nights begin.
The series now known as Friday PM premiered under its original name, “Friday Nights Matter.”
New platforms. New traditions.
Connection TV
Connection TV is founded.
Connection TV was founded, establishing a new platform for news and entertainment.
Portland New Year’s LIVE
An annual tradition takes shape.
Portland New Year’s LIVE premiered. It went on to become an annual broadcast and Maine’s most-watched New Year’s countdown show.
Breakthrough productions
Optimist Pictures
“A Downeast Christmas.”
Optimist Pictures premiered “A Downeast Christmas,” which became its most successful film to date.
Connection TV
“IGITUTU” reaches Rwanda.
Connection TV launched “IGITUTU,” which went on to become Rwanda’s most popular drama series.
A new home for television
Luigi Scarcelli Official
The television portfolio takes its own name.
Optimist Pictures spun off its television shows under Luigi Scarcelli Official.
The portfolio evolves
The Maine Pageant Place
A new stage for Maine pageantry.
The Maine Pageant Place premiered and became Maine’s most-watched pageantry show.
Optimist Pictures · Luigi Scarcelli Official
Ownership and production are reorganized.
Optimist Pictures transferred ownership of its remaining intellectual property to Luigi Scarcelli Official. Optimist Pictures became solely a production company, taking on all operations and logistics responsibilities from Luigi Scarcelli Official.
LSO Media Group
Corporate formation
One group. A broader future.
Luigi Scarcelli Official, Optimist Pictures and NEWS NEXT merged to create LSO Media Group.
Connection TV investment
A 45% stake in Connection TV.
LSO Media Group acquired 45% of Connection TV’s shares, becoming its largest shareholder.
Diversified investments
Expansion beyond media.
LSO Media Group purchased 12 non-media companies outright and acquired controlling stakes in eight additional non-media companies.
HOW WE WORK
One group.
A broader perspective.
01 / DIRECTION
A view of the whole.
Decisions at the group level consider the needs of our businesses and the interests of the portfolio as a whole.
02 / RESOURCES
Strength in connection.
Shared resources support our companies, with each brand maintaining its own management and public identity.
03 / RESPONSIBILITY
Accountability in practice.
Integrity, quality, respect and creative independence guide our work and the relationships we build.
WHAT’S THE IMPACT?
Questions about LSO Media Group.
What is LSO Media Group?
LSO Media Group is a diversified company with interests in media, entertainment, software products, hospitality, credit and financial counseling, and consumer goods procurement.
When was LSO Media Group established?
LSO Media Group was established in 2026, following consolidation discussions that began in 2025. The participating businesses agreed to restructure under common ownership.
Which brands are part of LSO Media Group?
The published media and entertainment portfolio includes Luigi Scarcelli Official, Connection TV, NEWS NEXT, OPTiMIST PICTURES and Jack’s Twisted Mansion. Explore our brands
Who leads LSO Media Group?
Jonathan Gonzalez serves as chief executive officer, and Ana Colvin serves as chief financial officer. The executive team also includes leaders responsible for legal, sales and news. Meet the leadership team
Who oversees LSO Workplace and LSO Playout?
Samantha Phillips, President of Sales, oversees the Software Products function. The Vice President, Software Products reports to her and leads two Product & Engineering Directors, one for LSO Workplace and one for LSO Playout, plus shared product and customer support specialists. The VP and both director positions are open. Explore the product teams
What does the group do for its businesses?
LSO Media Group provides corporate oversight, strategic direction and shared resources. Group decisions consider the needs of the whole portfolio, supporting continuity, responsible investment and new opportunities.
Do the brands keep their own identities?
Yes. Each brand maintains its own management and public identity, supported by the resources of the wider organization.
Where can I find the shows and content I know?
Our brands page links to Luigi Scarcelli Official and Connection TV. The individual brands provide information about programming and availability. Find our brands
How can businesses partner with LSO Media Group?
Partnership opportunities include strategic consulting, advertising, marketing and social media, content distribution and licensing, crisis communications, public perception and reputation management, executive communications, creative production, sponsorships and live events. Engagements are shaped around the organization’s objectives, audience, scope and budget. Explore partnership opportunities