Black Bear, a leading independent studio that produces, finances, and distributes film and television content around the world, announced today it has hired veteran executive David Spitz to serve as Head of US Theatrical Distribution. The former Lionsgate distribution head will oversee theatrical for the new expansion of Black Bear’s distribution infrastructure, which builds on the leadership of its established theatrical businesses in the UK, Ireland, and Canada. Spitz will manage the theatrical release of up to 12 films per year, curating a slate that blends critically acclaimed, filmmaker-driven fare with broadly resonant action and genre titles. He will report to the US theatrical distribution division’s President Benjamin Kramer, who made today’s announcement.
“David is one of the most respected and accomplished distribution executives in the theatrical business,” said Kramer. “He has a fantastic track record of shepherding the work of outstanding filmmakers and delivering commercial hits to wide audiences. His deep relationships with exhibitors, and proven instincts for release strategies, make him an ideal addition to our growing team. We at Black Bear are deeply excited to work alongside him in delivering transportive theatrical experiences to audiences.”
“I’m thrilled to join Black Bear at this exciting moment, as they enter an ambitious new chapter,” said Spitz. “I look forward to working with Ben, as well as the great distribution teams across Black Bear’s other territories, to create theatrical events that drive audiences to theaters and connect with viewers across the country.”
A longstanding leader in the theatrical distribution industry, Spitz joins Black Bear from Lionsgate, where he served for 18 years as President of Distribution, having initially joined the company in 2003. Throughout his career, he has overseen theatrical distribution strategy for films earning over $10 billion in domestic box office, representing a diverse range of critical and commercial hits. Among his titles have been Academy Award winners including Crash, La La Land, and Precious; franchises including The Hunger Games, John Wick, Now You See Me, Saw, and The Expendables; and other influential hits, such as The Blair Witch Project, The Big Sick, Wonder, Knives Out, Buena Vista Social Club, and Fahrenheit 9/11. At Lionsgate, Spitz also released films targeted to underserved audiences, including the highest-grossing Spanish-language film in domestic box office history, Instructions Not Included, as well as Code Black’s All Eyez on Me, Kevin Hart’s Let Me Explain, and 19 Tyler Perry films. Prior to Lionsgate, Spitz was with Artisan Films and its predecessor LIVE Entertainment. Earlier, he handled film sales for MGM Distribution and acquisitions for Mann Theaters.
Black Bear’s US distribution operation complements its long-established presences in other English-language markets. Out of Black Bear’s London office, the company theatrically distributes films in the UK and Ireland, while also focusing on international sales, productions, and acquisitions. In Canada, Black Bear owns Elevation Pictures, the country’s leading independent theatrical distributor. These businesses have been behind the territorial releases of recent successes including Edward Berger’s Conclave, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, Sean Baker’s Best Picture winner Anora, Osgood Perkins’ Longlegs and The Monkey, and more.
In addition to its US distribution presence, Black Bear’s production and financing business has numerous highly anticipated titles coming soon. Its upcoming production and financing credits include David Mackenzie’s Relay, starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James, and Sam Worthington, releasing this month via Bleecker Street; Clint Bentley’s Train Dreams, starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones, for Netflix; Guy Ritchie’s In the Grey, starring Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza Gonzalez, being distributed by Lionsgate; David Michôd’s Christy, starring Sydney Sweeney; Daniel Roher’s Tuner, starring Leo Woodall, Dustin Hoffman, and Havana Rose Liu; Gregg Araki’s I Want Your Sex, starring Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman; and Andrew Patterson’s The Rivals of Amziah King, starring Matthew McConaughey, Angelina LookingGlass, and Kurt Russell. Other films currently in post-production include Guy Ritchie’s Wife & Dog, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Rosamund Pike, and Anthony Hopkins; Ric Roman Waugh’s untitled action thriller starring Jason Statham; and Spa Weekend, from Bad Moms directors Jon Lucas & Scott Moore, starring Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher, Michelle Buteau, and Anna Faris.
