New Distribution Company Bleecker Street Launched by Former Focus Co-CEO Andrew Karpen
There is a new outlet for independent film in New York with the launch of Bleecker Street. Founded and run by Andrew Karpen, COO of Focus Features from 2002-2012 before being elevated to co-CEO, Bleecker Street plans to launch three to five films in 2015 before growing even larger. This will start with Karpen himself scouting for movies at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.
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“I’m looking forward to bringing the work of great filmmakers into the marketplace and I couldn’t be more excited to be launching this new company in New York City,” said Karpen. “Bleecker Street will be well positioned to distribute films on a platform or national basis, whatever best suits each title.”
At Focus, Karpen oversaw distribution of films like “Dallas Buyers Club,” “Beginners,” “The Place Beyond the Pines,” “Moonrise Kingdom” and “The Kids are All Right.” His first deal with Bleeker was to obtain U.S. distribution rights to all current and future ShivHans films, including “Trumbo” and “Danny Collins.”
The company is expected to make further staffing announcements in the coming weeks.
