Featured MEdia
Supply Chains

 

The Fithian Group: A New Era for Independent Film Distribution

Founded last fall by former NATO chief John Fithian, The Fithian Group is creating a data-driven digital marketplace aimed at transforming how independent filmmakers and rights-holders schedule and release films in theaters.

The initial version of this platform, named Attend, is set to launch in the United States in the first quarter of 2025, with the U.S. and Australia as its primary markets.

Prominent filmmakers, including Sean Baker, Steven Soderbergh, Patty Jenkins, and Ted Hope, have endorsed the platform, expressing that “a modern, democratic, data-driven marketplace providing an efficient and effective way to distribute all genres of film directly to theatres and audiences is a vital need for our industry and art form.”

Features and Goals of Attend

Developed in partnership with entertainment tech firm Vista Group, the marketplace allows filmmakers to upload their film details directly. Exhibitors can search the database, and Attend recommends films while managing logistics for screenings. Its objective is to enhance the variety of movies available to exhibitors and assist in programming and marketing efforts.

The Fithian Group aims to revitalize the theatrical marketplace, which they claim has been declining for two decades, even before the impacts of COVID-19, streaming, and Hollywood strikes. By focusing on mid-range films, international releases, and those with limited theatrical exposure, Attend seeks to broaden audiences through data-informed selections and promotions.

Jackie Brenneman, a founding partner of The Fithian Group, stated, “Attend expands possibilities for filmmakers and non-studio movies to reach audiences and improves the efficiency of existing distributors.”

Simon Burton, Vista Group’s Chief Film Officer, emphasized that their technology will create new opportunities for filmmakers, exhibitors, and audiences that might not otherwise exist.

Mission Statement and Support

Below is Attend’s mission statement and a list of industry supporters:

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

Supporters include:

• • 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 Yang Bongiovi, Significant Productions

 

• • Effie Brown, Gamechanger

 

• • …and many more.

 

“`

This structured output retains the original context while enhancing readability with HTML formatting.

Person

John Fithian, Sean Baker, Steven Soderbergh, Patty Jenkins, Ted Hope, Jackie Brenneman, Simon Burton, Chris Bender, Albert Berger, Ron Yerxa, Juliet Berman, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Nina Yang Bongiovi, Effie Brown, Kristin Burr, Anne Carey, Susan Cartsonis, Suzanne Farwell, Guymon Casady, Liza Chasin, Damien Chazelle, Olivia Hamilton, Dylan Clark, Bruce Cohen, Dan Levy Dagerman, Selina Ringel, Naomi Despres, Dean Devlin, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Jonathan Eirich, Marc Evans, Erik Feig, Bradley Fischer, Craig Flores, Gary Foster, Brad Fuller, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Todd Garner, Howard Gertler, Emile Gladstone, Sarah Green, Carla Hacken, John Hall, Margot Hand, Joe Hart, Alex Heineman, David Hoberman, Ted Hope, Leah Holzer, Gale Anne Hurd, Dan Janvey, Patty Jenkins, Loretha Jones, Caroline Kaplan, Jonathan King, Cathy Konrad, David Koplan, Karyn Kusama, David Lancaster, Greg Lauritano, Andrew Lazar, Laura Lewis, Stephen Love, Nimitt Mankad, Andrew Miano, Rob McGillivray, Tom McNulty, Paul Mezey, Kevin Misher, Gil Netter, Siena Oberman, Sev Ohanian, Bruna Papandrea, Jamie Patricof, Heather Rae, James Reatchlous, Amy Redford, Nathan Ross, Aaron Ryder, Peter Samuelson, Cathy Schulman, Jonathan Schwarz, Stacey Sher, Natalie Simpkins, Steven Soderbergh, Christina Steinberg, Laure Sudreau, Lynette Howell Taylor, Bob Teitel, Suzanne Todd, Mark Vahradian, Monique Walton, Kevin Walsh, Jim Whitaker, Janet Yang

Company Names

The Fithian Group, NATO, Vista Group, Louverture Films, Bona Fide Productions, Spiral Stairs Entertainment, Escape Artists, Significant Productions, Gamechanger, Burr! Productions, Purple Pebble Pictures, Resonate Entertainment, Entertainment 360, Dylan Clark Productions, Bruce Cohen Productions, Two Hands Productions, Artina Films, Electric Entertainment, Di Bonaventura Pictures, Rideback, Picturestart, Wise Owl Media, Bread & Circuses Entertainment, Gary Foster Productions, Platinum Dunes, Plan B, Broken Road Productions, Little Punk, Latchkey, Brace Cove Productions, Paper Pictures, Retinue Media, Picture Films, Hartland Studios, The Picture Company, Hobie Films, HopeForFilm, Double Hope Films, Defiant By Nature, Valhalla Entertainment, Familystyle Film, Rumble Films, Black Magic, Mad Chance, Rebelle Media, Made With Love Media, Inimitable Pictures, Depth of Field, Tip-Top Productions, MC2 Entertainment, Misher Films, Netter Films, Artemis Pictures, Proximity Media, Made Up Stories, Hunting Lane Films, Iron Circle Pictures, Two Daughters Entertainment, Lilyrose Productions, Ryder Picture Co., Philmco Media, Welle Entertainment, Super Crispy Entertainment, 51 Entertainment, State Street Pictures, Bluestack Media, The Walsh Co., Whitaker Entertainment

Titles

Attend

Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by Vitrina staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.