Distribution & Exhibition Vets Kevin Mitchell, Richie Fay & Scott Kennedy Launch Ambitious U.S. Film Distributor Showbiz Direct

Andreas Wiseman
·3 min read

EXCLUSIVE: Industry veterans Kevin Mitchell, Richie Fay and Scott Kennedy have joined forces to launch U.S. distributor ShowBiz Direct at a time when the domestic landscape is seemingly crying out for more companies capable of releasing sizeable multi-platform movies.

The LA and Dallas-based theatrical and digital distribution company tells us it is aiming to release mid-size to tent-pole releases that don’t always fit into the post-pandemic release strategies of major studios.

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The team, which is backed by a number of individual investors, is currently in negotiations with multiple filmmakers and is tying up its first theatrical project which it aims to release in summer 2024.

The trio, known for their work at companies including Cinemark, AMC, Lionsgate and Miramax, told us: “We are looking for thought-provoking, commercially viable content, from smaller films through tent-pole releases, appealing to a wide audience. Studios have a narrow selection process on what they will distribute, and we are filling the gap between what they distribute and what we believe should be distributed.”

The company is due to have representation at most of the major festivals in the U.S. including Sundance, Telluride and SXSW, as well as international festivals such as Berlin, Cannes, Toronto and Venice.

The trio will be looking to leverage their decades of senior experience in the distribution and exhibition markets.

Mitchell has been engaged in the theatrical exhibition business for more than 35 years. He began his career at Cinemark Theaters and currently sits on the Board of Directors. Most recently, he sold his interests in ShowBiz Cinemas, the bowling and movie chain with theaters in Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and Wyoming, where he served as founder and CEO.

Fay has been in the film industry for 50 years. He served as President of Film Marketing and Buying at AMC Theatres, President of Distribution at both Summit Entertainment and Lionsgate Films, and Distribution head at Broad Green Pictures and Global Road Entertainment.

Former Miramax and Open Road exec Kennedy’s 30-year career has seen him involved in the release of more than 500 films, including Chicago, Gangs Of New York, No Country for Old Men, Amelie, and Spotlight.

“In the ever-changing world of theatrical distribution, we are finding that there is a huge gap between the creative community and exhibitors,” said Mitchell. “Writers, producers, actors, and directors are having a tough time getting studio attention. We launched ShowBiz Direct to champion these underrepresented projects and create a new avenue for creative voices to flourish in the industry.”

“As a former exhibitor and current distributor, my perspective on what’s missing and where the gaps are in the current studio distribution strategies provides us with a unique understanding of how to help creatives find a home for their movies,” commented Fay.

“We offer a win-win opportunity for theaters and the creative community,” added Kennedy. “We enable them to release and distribute theatrical quality films in a more intelligent and cost-effective manner.”

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