Fithian Group to launch digital marketplace for filmmakers and exhibitors

The Fithian Group, launched last fall by longtime NATO chief John Fithian, has developed a data-driven digital film distribution marketplace that it hopes will revolutionize the way independent filmmakers and rights holders order and release films in theaters.

An early version of the platform, called Attend, will launch in the US in the first quarter of 2025. The initial markets will be the US and Australia.

Dozens of filmmakers and producers, from Sean Baker to Steven Soderbergh to Patty Jenkins and Ted Hope, support the vision, signing on to Attend’s statement “that a modern, democratic, data-driven marketplace provides an efficient and effective way to directly distribute films of all genres.” for theaters and audiences is a vital necessity for our industry and art form.”

The marketplace, created by technology company Vista Group, allows filmmakers to upload parts and materials for their films directly to the platform. Exhibitors can search the database and Attend recommends films. The platform also simplifies the logistics of film screening. Its goal is to increase the number and variety of films that film distributors can offer and to help them program and sell films.

The hope is to restore a thriving theater market, which Fithian Group says has been in decline for the past 20 years, long before the massive hit of Covid, streaming and Hollywood strikes. He wants to help grow the annual theatrical release slate by featuring mid-priced films that have largely disappeared from theaters, international films that are heading for domestic release, and films that typically get limited theatrical release but could attract wider audiences for an account of cinema selection based on data and planning. and marketing.

“Attend empowers filmmakers and non-studio productions to reach audiences and expand the reach and efficiency of existing distributors. Through many years of grappling with the challenges and opportunities facing the theatrical market around the world, we, as industry leaders, have sought solutions that grow the business for all stakeholders,” said Jackie Brenneman, founding partner of The Fithian Group.

“With cutting-edge technology, Vista Group’s support will help create new opportunities for filmmakers, exhibitors and audiences that might not otherwise exist,” said Simon Burton, director of film at Vista Group. “We believe that supporting The Fithian Group with Vista technology and solutions will create opportunities for rights holders, exhibitors and moviegoers.”

Below is Attend’s mission statement and a list of industry players who have agreed to publicly support it:

“We support Attend’s plan to revitalize independent film distribution and marketing through technology, transparency and respect for filmmakers and theater owners. A modern, democratic, data-driven marketplace that provides an efficient and effective way to distribute films of all genres directly to theaters and audiences is a vital need for our industry and art form. We look forward to using this important new tool in our work.”

Sean Baker

Chris Bender

Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa, Bona Fide Productions

Juliet Berman, Spiral Stairs Entertainment

Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal, Escape Artists

Nina Jan Bongiovi, Significant Productions

Effie Brown, Gamechanger

Christine Burr, Burr! Production

Photos by Anne Carey, Purple Pebble

Susan Cartsonis and Suzanne Farwell, Resonate Entertainment

Guymon Casady, Entertainment 360

Lisa Chasin

Damien Chazelle and Olivia Hamilton, “Wild Chickens”

Dylan Clark, Dylan Clark Productions

Bruce Cohen, Bruce Cohen Productions

Dan Levy Dagerman and Selina Ringel, Two Hands Productions

Naomi Despres, Artina Films

Dean Devlin, Electric Entertainment

Photos by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Di Bonaventura

Jonathan Eyrich, Rideback

Mark Evans

Eric Feig, Picturestart

Bradley Fisher, Wise Owl Media

Craig Flores, Bread & Circuses Entertainment

Gary Foster, Gary Foster Productions, Inc.

Brad Fuller, Platinum Dunes

Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, Plan B

Todd Garner, Broken Road Productions

Howard Gertler, Little Punk

Emil Gladstone, Latchkey

Sarah Greene, Brace Cove Productions

Carla Haken, Paper Pictures

John Hall, Retinue Media

Margot Hand, films

Joe Hart, Hartland Studios

Alex Heineman, The Picture Company

David Hoberman, Hobie Films

Ted Hope, HopeForFilm, Double Hope Films

Leah Holzer, “Rebellious by Nature”

Gale Anne Hurd, Valhalla Entertainment

Dan Janvi

Patty Jenkins, Wicious Pictures

Loreta Jones

Caroline Kaplan

Jonathan King

Katie Conrad, “Treeline”

David Coplan, Magnetic Fields Entertainment

Karyn Kusama, Family film

David Lancaster, Rumble Films

Greg Lauritano, “Black Magic”

Andrew Lazar, Crazy Chance

Laura Lewis, Rebelle Media

Stephen Love, Made with Love Media

Nimit Mankad, Inimitable Pictures

Andrew Miano, Depth of Field

Rob McGillivray, Tip-Top Productions

Tom McNulty, MC2 Entertainment

Paul Mezey

Kevin Misher, Misher Films

Gil Netter, Netter Films

Photos Siena Oberman, Artemis

Sev Ohanyan, Proximity Media

Bruna Papandrea, “Imaginary Stories”

Jamie Patricof, Hunting Lane Films

Photos by Heather Rae, Iron Circle

James Richlaws, Two Daughters Entertainment

Amy Redford, RedSkye Productions

Nathan Ross, Lilyrose Productions

Aaron Ryder, Ryder Picture Co.

Peter Samuelson, Philmco Media

Katie Shulman, Welle Entertainment

Jonathan Schwartz, Super Crispy Entertainment

Stacey Sher

Natalie Simpkins, 19, creative

Steven Soderbergh, number 765

Christina Steinberg, Locksmith Animation

Lor Sudro, Ouroboros Entertainment

Lynette Howell Taylor, 51, Entertainment

Bob Teitel, State Street Photography

Suzanne Todd

Mark Vahradyan, Di Bonaventura Pictures

Monique Walton, Bluestack Media

Kevin Walsh, The Walsh Co.

Jim Whitaker – Whitaker Entertainment

Janet Young