Black Bear Taps Paramount Veteran Dan Cohen to Lead TV Distribution Push

Black Bear has named Dan Cohen as its head of television distribution and launched a digital networks vertical, the independent studio announced Tuesday.

Cohen joins Black Bear after stints at Paramount and Disney, bringing decades of distribution experience to a company that is scaling up its film slate. He will oversee television licensing and distribution strategy across Black Bear's growing library of titles.

The move supports Black Bear's plan to release 10 to 12 films per year. The studio's upcoming slate includes "Wicker," "Wife and Dog," "Jason Statham Stole My Bike," "A Woman in the Sun," "Jonah" and "Atmosphere."

The new digital networks division marks Black Bear's first major push into digital-first content distribution, though the company did not detail specific platforms or launch timelines.

Cohen's hire signals Black Bear's intent to build out infrastructure that can handle a higher volume of releases. Independent studios increasingly need in-house distribution muscle as streaming platforms tighten acquisition budgets and theatrical windows remain unpredictable.

Black Bear has positioned itself as a prolific home for mid-budget independent films. The studio's expansion into television distribution and digital networks reflects a broader industry trend: production companies are building direct pipelines to audiences rather than relying solely on third-party buyers.

Cohen's background at two of Hollywood's largest studios gives Black Bear relationships with buyers across broadcast, cable and streaming. That reach matters as the studio looks to place a dozen titles a year across multiple windows.

The company did not disclose financial terms of Cohen's deal or how many staff will work under the new digital networks vertical.

Black Bear's upcoming releases span genres and talent, from action fare like "Jason Statham Stole My Bike" to dramas like "A Woman in the Sun." The volume and variety of the slate put pressure on the distribution team to find buyers for each title.

Cohen starts immediately in the newly created role.