Feig, a graduate of Columbia University, began his career in film as an independent producer.
After taking a year off to travel, he transferred to Columbia University in New York City, graduating with a BA in English in 1992.
[3][4] At Columbia, Feig lived in East Campus and studied under James S. Shapiro, Annette Insdorf, and David Denby.
[6] Although at the time the book had sold only 4,000 copies, Feig noted its strong following online, and its potential to be a franchise for the new studio.
Feig secured a $30 million budget for Lionsgate to produce the film, gambling on the unusual undertaking of an original Hollywood musical.
[13][14][15] In February 2018, it was reported that Feig would be leaving Lionsgate, and that he has raised money to launch a new company focused on youth-oriented projects.