Black Bear Pictures has hired former Lionsgate executive David Spitz as head of U.S. theatrical distribution.
In his new role, Spitz will manage the theatrical release of up to 12 movies per year for the indie studio, curating a slate of auteur-driven films and genre fare. He’ll report to Benjamin Kramer, the president of the company’s newly created U.S. theatrical distribution division.
“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.”
Added Spitz, “I’m thrilled to join Black Bear at this exciting moment, as they enter an ambitious new chapter. 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.”
Spitz is a well-accomplished veteran in the industry, having previously served as president of distribution at Lionsgate for 18 years. There, he managed a theatrical distribution strategy for films that raked in more than $10 billion domestically. He shepherded box office success for Oscar winners like “La La Land,” “Crash” and “Precious,” as well as franchises like “The Hunger Games,” “John Wick,” “Now You See Me,” “Saw” and “The Expendables.” He also expanded the reach of unexpected commercial hits like “The Big Sick” and “Knives Out.”
At Lionsgate, Spitz also released films targeting underserved audiences, including “Instructions Not Included,” which, with nearly $45 million domestically, became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film in U.S. box office history. He also facilitated the release of Code Black’s “All Eyez on Me,” Kevin Hart’s “Let Me Explain” and 19 Tyler Perry movies.
Prior to his post at Lionsgate, Spitz worked at Artisan Films and its predecessor, Live Entertainment. Before that, he handled film sales for MGM Distribution and acquisitions for Mann Theaters. Spitz is based in Los Angeles.
Founded in 2011, Black Bear is an independent production studio that, in 2023, began directly distributing films in the United Kingdom. Now, the company distributes in the U.S., U.K., Ireland and Canada (via its subsidiary Elevation Pictures). Black Bear’s recent films include “Sing Sing,” “Dumb Money” and “The Imitation Game.”