Ballard Partners has grown from its early days operating out of the Lively House in Tallahassee, Florida, into a national and international firm with offices across the country and around the world. As it has expanded, it has built a client list that includes leading organizations from a variety of industries. From professional sports franchises to online retailers and from global banks to telecommunications giants, the firm founded by Brian Ballard in 1998 has experience delivering unbeatable results for a range of clients.
Ballard Partners’ client list also includes major players in the media and entertainment industry. Along with household names like Disney, Netflix, and Comcast, the firm represents one organization that, while little known to many members of the general public, exerts major influence across Hollywood.
That organization is the Motion Picture Association (MPA). Founded in 1922, the MPA is the leading advocate for the global film, television, and streaming industry. By conducting research, overseeing the influential movie ratings system, and serving as a key voice, the MPA supports an industry that provides 2.32 million jobs across the United States.
Since 2017, the MPA has been led by its chairman and CEO, Charles Rivkin. An experienced media executive, Rivkin came to the MPA having previously served as the president and CEO of the Jim Henson Company and the CEO of WildBrain, where he helped to bring the hit series Yo Gabba Gabba! to television screens. His background also includes high-level diplomatic roles in the US government, including as ambassador to France and Monaco, a position he held from 2009 to 2013. During his tenure at the MPA, Rivkin has successfully recruited streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to the organization.
For much of Rivkin’s tenure, he was supported by the work of Patrick Kilcur. The organization’s former executive vice president of US government affairs, Kilcur departed the MPA in late 2024 to join Ballard Partners as a partner in the firm’s Washington, DC, office.
“Patrick has been a key policy voice, a keen strategist, and a critical leader for the MPA for more than a decade,” said Rivkin in a press release announcing Kilcur’s departure. “The MPA is stronger today thanks to everything Patrick has achieved on behalf of our studios and our creative community.”
Over his time with the MPA, Kilcur partnered with major Hollywood studios on a number of government relations and policy initiatives. Among his achievements was playing a key role in the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a 2017 bill that benefited film and television productions.
Kilcur also spearheaded the MPA’s advocacy for the Protecting Lawful Streaming Act. Since being signed into law in 2020, the act has made it possible to bring felony charges against commercial providers that pirate copyrighted material. Accomplished in his field, Kilcur has been recognized by The Hill as a Top Lobbyist in eight consecutive years and been named as a Top Hollywood Power Player in Washington, DC, by Business Insider.
Prior to joining the MPA, Kilcur served as Republican floor assistant in the US Senate, where he advised senators and their staffs. In carrying out the responsibilities of this position, he developed his negotiation skills, legislative knowledge, and senatorial connections.
“Patrick is a highly respected and accomplished government affairs professional with a proven track record of success at the MPA,” said Brian Ballard. “Patrick’s long-standing relationships with leadership in the US Senate and his expertise in the entertainment industry broaden our firm’s reach substantially in Washington and Hollywood.”
“I am excited to join Ballard Partners and contribute to the firm’s continued growth and success,” added Kilcur. “Ballard Partners has a well-earned reputation for excellence in government relations, and I look forward to working with Brian and the entire team to provide strategic counsel and deliver results for our clients.”
