AFM 2011: Drafthouse Films and Image Entertainment Sign Domestic Distribution Deal
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More wheeling and dealing has taken place at this year’s AFM, resulting in a partnership for US distribution between Drafthouse Films, the distribution arm of the Alamo Drafthouse, and Image Entertainment, Inc., a leading licensee and distributor of programming throughout North America, solidifying itself as a major player in the independent distribution arena. Good news indeed for horror fans!
The exclusive distribution deal will span home video, digital, television, and VOD platforms, helping to further expand the ever-growing Alamo Drafthouse entertainment lifestyle brand. Drafthouse Films will release both new product and repertory titles as part of the deal with Image Entertainment.
As part of their plans to ramp up their acquisitions and build the label, Drafthouse Films also made public today it appointed James Emanuel Shapiro, former Executive Director of Sales Planning and Acquisitions for Anchor Bay Entertainment, as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer. Shapiro had been with the acquisitions and sales planning teams at Anchor Bay Entertainment since 2006 and helped build Anchor Bay Films into a top full service independent distribution company. While at Anchor Bay he oversaw home video releases on everything from fest favorites like Paul Solet’s Grace to TV content like AMC’s “The Walking Dead” to The Weinstein Company releases such as Let Me In.
“We are thrilled at being part of Alamo’s expansion,” commented Mark Ward, Vice President of Acquisitions at Image. “It’s going to be a pleasure working with them, releasing product fans will really enjoy.”
The deal is being negotiated by Mark Ward and Jess De Leo, Associate Director of Business and Legal Affairs on behalf of Image Entertainment; Tim League, Founder and CEO of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema; Victoria Cook of Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz; and Liesl Copland of WME Global on behalf of Drafthouse Films.
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