Black Bear has appointed Dan Cohen as Head of Television Distribution as the independent studio expands its U.S. distribution operations and launches a new digital networks business.
Cohen, who previously served as Paramount’s Chief Content Licensing Officer and President of Republic Pictures, will oversee Black Bear’s post-theatrical licensing operations. The company plans to release 10–12 films annually in the U.S., combining filmmaker-led projects with commercial action and genre titles.
Black Bear Expands Into Digital Distribution
Alongside Cohen’s appointment, the company is launching Black Bear Digital Networks, a new business focused on helping independent content owners monetize their libraries across FAST, AVOD and multicast networks. The operation will use programmatic distribution tools to turn Black Bear’s own content, as well as third-party libraries, talent and brands, into scalable digital media businesses.
Its initial clients include Sinclair Networks, Tubi, CJ ENM and the National Wrestling Alliance, among others.
The move builds on Black Bear’s existing licensing business, which has secured deals with HBO Max, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock and Starz. Following its theatrical release from Black Bear, Daniel Roher’s Tuner, starring Leo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman, became the No. 1 film on Paramount+. Ric Roman Waugh’s Shelter and Guy Ritchie’s In the Grey also debuted as the No. 1 films on Starz, with Shelter remaining in the platform’s Top 10 for 17 weeks. Black Bear has additionally signed transactional deals with Amazon, DirecTV, Fandango at Home, iTunes and Vubiquity.
“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.”
Cohen added: “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. I have immense confidence in what they’re building for the future.”
Cohen joins Black Bear after leading global licensing, distribution and home entertainment operations at Paramount. As President of Republic Pictures, he oversaw titles including BlackBerry, Self Reliance, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, September 5, The End We Start From, The Greatest Night in Pop and Rob Peace. Before Paramount, Cohen spent two decades at Disney/ABC, including as Walt Disney Studios’ EVP of Pay Television and Digital Sales for Home Entertainment and Television Distribution.
Black Bear launched its U.S. distribution business in July 2025, building on its established theatrical operations in the U.K., Ireland and Canada, where affiliate Elevation Pictures operates as an independent theatrical distributor.
The company’s upcoming theatrical slate includes Wicker, starring Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård and Peter Dinklage; David Leitch’s Jason Statham Stole My Bike, starring Jason Statham and Hannah Waddingham; A Woman in the Sun, starring Renée Zellweger and Sissy Spacek; Guy Ritchie’s Wife & Dog, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Rosamund Pike and Anthony Hopkins; Jonah, starring Greta Lee and Cooper Hoffman; and Atmosphere, directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Black Bear is also handling international sales for Alex Gibney’s documentary Musk.
Recent theatrical releases include The Rivals of Amziah King, starring Matthew McConaughey and Angelina LookingGlass, and Spa Weekend, starring Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher, Anna Faris and Michelle Buteau.
