In a key hire heading into the fall festival season, Black Bear has brought in former Lionsgate distribution head David Spitz to lead its nascent US theatrical distribution business.

Spitz will oversee the theatrical release of up to 12 films a year and curate a slate that blends acclaimed filmmaker-driven fare with broad action and genre titles. He reports to division president Ben Kramer.

The company’s new venture will complement Black Bear’s operations across English-language markets: the London-based UK & Ireland distribution operation and international sales, productions, and acquisitions businesses; and theatrical distributor Elevation Pictures in Canada.

Black Bear recently released in its territories Edward Berger’s Conclave , Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist , Sean Baker’s be

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