Fithian Group to launch digital marketplace connecting independent filmmakers and exhibitors

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

A first version of the platform, called Attend, will be deployed in the United States in the first quarter of 2025. The United States and Australia will be the first markets.

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

Powered by entertainment technology company Vista Group, the marketplace allows filmmakers to upload details and materials for their films directly to the platform. Exhibitors can search the database and Attend recommends films. The platform also facilitates the logistics of screening films. Its aim is to increase both the number and range of films that exhibitors can offer and to help them program and market the titles.

The hope is to return to a thriving theatrical market, which the Fithian Group says has been in decline for 20 years, long before the massive hit from Covid, streaming and the Hollywood strikes. It aims to help expand the annual slate of theatrical releases by showcasing mid-tier films that have mostly disappeared from theaters, international films seeking domestic releases, and films that typically enjoy a limited theatrical release but could gain a wider audience through data-driven room selection, programming. and marketing.

“Attend expands opportunities for filmmakers and non-studio films to reach audiences and expand the reach and effectiveness of existing distributors. Over many years of tackling the challenges and opportunities facing the global theatrical market, as industry leaders we have sought solutions that grow the business for all stakeholders,” said Jackie Brenneman, founding partner of the Fithian Group.

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

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

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

Sean Baker

Chris Bender

Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa, Bona Fide Productions

Juliet Berman, Entertainment Spiral Stairs

Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal, escape artists

Nina Yang Bongiovi, Important Productions

Effie Brown, game changer

Kristin Burr, Burr! Productions

Anne Carey, photos of purple pebbles

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 Eirich, Overlapping

Marc Evans

Erik Feig, Picturestart

Bradley Fischer, Wise Owl Media

Craig Flores, Bread and 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

Emile Gladstone, Key to Key

Sarah Green, Brace Cove Productions

Carla Hacken, Paper photos

John Hall, media suite

Margot Hand, Cinematographic films

Joe Hart, Hartland Studios

Alex Heineman, The Picture Company

David Hoberman, Hobie Films

Ted Hope, HopeForFilm, Double Hope Films

Leah Holzer, provocative by nature

Gale Anne Hurd, Valhalla Entertainment

Dan Janvey

Patty Jenkins, photos Wicious

Loretha Jones

Caroline Kaplan

Jonathan King

Cathy Konrad, Treeline Film

David Koplan, entertainment about magnetic fields

Karyn Kusama, family film

David Lancaster, Rumble Films

Greg Lauritano, Black Magic

Andrew Lazar, Crazy Luck

Laura Lewis, Media Rebel

Stephen Love, produced with Love Media

Nimitt Mankad, inimitable images

Andrew Miano, Depth of Field

Rob McGillivray, Tip-Top Productions

Tom McNulty, MC2 Entertainment

Paul Mézey

Kevin Misher, Misher Films

Gil Netter, Netter Films

Photos of Siena Oberman, Artemis

Sev Ohanian, Local media

Bruna Papandrea, Invented Stories

Jamie Patricof, Hunting Lane Films

Heather Rae, Iron Circle Photos

James Reatchlous, Two Girls’ Entertainment

Amy Redford, RedSkye Productions

Nathan Ross, Lilyrose Productions

Aaron Ryder, Ryder Picture Co.

Peter Samuelson, Philmco Media

Cathy Schulman, Welle Entertainment

Jonathan Schwarz, super juicy entertainment

Stacey Sher

Natalie Simpkins, 19 years oldCreative

Steven Soderbergh, extension 765

Christina Steinberg, locksmith animation

Laure Sudreau, Ouroboros Entertainment

Lynette Howell Taylor, 51 Entertainment

Bob Teitel, State Street photos

Suzanne Todd

Mark Vahradian, Di Bonaventura Photos

Monique Walton, Bluestack Media

Kevin Walsh, The Walsh Co.

Jim Whitaker – Whitaker Entertainment

Janet Yang