Indie studio Black Bear has named Dan Cohen head of Television Distribution.
Cohen, who previously served as Paramount’s chief content licensing officer and president of Republic Pictures, will oversee the post-theatrical licensing infrastructure that Black Bear has developed.
Black Bear’s upcoming releases include Wicker (October 2026), Wife & Dog (February 2027), Jason Statham Stole My Bike (August 2027), A Woman in the Sun, and the recently announced films Jonah and Atmosphere.
Black Bear and Cohen are also launching Black Bear Digital Networks, a new business leveraging advanced programmatic offerings to help independent content owners monetize across FAST, AVoD, and Multicast networks. Black Bear Digital Networks’ inaugural clients include Sinclair Networks, Tubi, CJ Enm, and The National Wrestling Alliance, among others.
“Dan brings an exceptional combination of licensing expertise, industry relationships, and strategic vision,” said Black Bear CEO Teddy Schwarzman. “His experience will be invaluable on multiple fronts, as we continue to invest in our U.S. distribution business, expanding our reach across the post-theatrical marketplace, and as we open doors for other media entities to connect with audiences across the digital landscape.”
“Black Bear has built an excellent brand over the past 15 years, with a strong track record of championing original stories that connect with both critics and audiences,” said Cohen. “I have immense confidence in what they’re building for the future. There’s a great opportunity to expand the ways Black Bear films reach audiences while also creating new avenues for third-party content owners through Black Bear Digital Networks. I look forward to helping grow both businesses and finding new ways to bring great content to audiences.”
Black Bear is the studio behind such titles as Train Dreams, Sing Sing, and The Imitation Game. It launched its U.S. distribution business in July 2025, expanding a multinational theatrical business that was already established in the U.K., Ireland, and Canada, where affiliate Elevation Pictures is the top independent theatrical distributor.
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