Black Bear Appointed Dan Cohen Head of TV Distribution
The veteran executive will oversee efforts to grow Black Bear’s U.S. distribution and digital networks businesses.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Film — General
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Black Bear has hired former Paramount executive Dan Cohen to serve as its new head of TV distribution. This appointment comes as the company continues to expand its U.S. distribution infrastructure following its launch in July 2025.
Why it matters
The hire signals a strategic push by Black Bear to increase its investment in U.S. distribution and enhance its ability to monetize independent content across various digital platforms. The company aims to leverage this new leadership to support a planned release schedule of 10 to 12 films per year.
Black Bear plans to release 10 to 12 films per year and is building out a post-theatrical licensing infrastructure. The company has operated for 15 years, while Cohen previously spent 20 years at Disney/ABC.
The players
Dan Cohen
He is a veteran distribution executive who previously served as the chief content licensing officer at Paramount.
Black Bear
This independent production and distribution company has been operating for 15 years and owns the affiliate Elevation Pictures.
The details
Cohen, who previously served as Paramount's chief content licensing officer, will lead the company's new digital networks division. This unit is tasked with helping independent content owners monetize their libraries across multicast, AVOD, and FAST platforms, with inaugural clients already including Tubi, Sinclair Networks, CJ Enm, and The National Wrestling Alliance.
Timeline
1999: Cohen secured a multiyear agreement with Starz.
2012: Cohen secured a multiyear agreement with Netflix.
2017: Cohen joined Paramount.
July 2025: Black Bear launched its U.S. distribution business.
September 29, 2026: Black Bear appointed Dan Cohen.
Industry Dynamics
This move reflects the ongoing shift in the entertainment industry as production companies bring distribution and digital licensing capabilities in-house to compete with established studios. By hiring a veteran of the streaming-licensing era, Black Bear is positioning itself to challenge traditional distribution models.
The expansion of this digital networks division could mean a broader reach for independent films across popular FAST and AVOD platforms. Viewers may see an increase in the availability of diverse content on services like Tubi as the company scales its distribution reach.
The takeaway
The hiring of a high-profile licensing veteran suggests that independent studios are increasingly prioritizing the control of their own post-theatrical revenue streams. Readers can expect a more consolidated approach to where and how independent films are made available for digital streaming in the coming years.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the industry by visiting the Film — General section.
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