Black Bear’s Head Of U.S. Distribution Ben Kramer Exiting
EXCLUSIVE: Black Bear‘s President of U.S. Distribution Benjamin Kramer is exiting the firm, we can reveal.
Kramer joined Black Bear 15 months ago after co-running CAA’s Media Finance division for eight years. This is a quicker than expected departure after the exec was hired to spearhead Black Bear’s new theatrical distribution operation. At the company, he oversaw a number of key hires, the release of projects already on the slate and laid the groundwork for upcoming titles. We hear it was Kramer’s decision to depart and that ultimately it just wasn’t a fit. It happens. Kramer is a respected exec with a long tenure in the film financing space so will be interesting to see where he lands next.
Kramer joined in July 2025. The slate includes films dated through 2028 including the upcoming release of Wicker on October 23rd. Kramer will remain at Black Bear through Wicker’s release so he should be at the firm into November. No word yet whether there will be a replacement in the role.
“Ben has been hugely valuable in helping Black Bear stand up a powerful domestic operation,” said Black Bear CEO Teddy Schwarzman. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done in recruiting exceptional talent to head our theatrical distribution, marketing and publicity departments, and equally important, developing an enviable post-theatrical infrastructure. The pieces are now in place for the next phase of Black Bear’s growth, and I’d like to thank Ben for his time and investment in Black Bear.”
Added Kramer: “It is with a grateful and heavy heart I depart the great team at Black Bear. I remain a forever fan, deeply excited and hopeful for the company’s bright future.”
Black Bear’s business continues to be overseen by Schwarzman, Partner Michael Heimler, and John Friedberg, Partner and President, International. Key execs assembled across the domestic theatrical business include David Spitz as Head of U.S. Theatrical Distribution, Bianca Parkes as Head of Domestic Marketing, Heather Phillips as Head of Domestic Publicity, Katie Anderson as EVP of Acquisitions, and recently announced Dan Cohen as Head of Television Distribution.
Domestically, Black Bear is set to release up to 12 films per year. Following this month’s Wicker, with Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, Peter Dinklage, and Elizabeth Debicki, titles include David Leitch’s Jason Statham Stole My Bike, A Woman in the Sun, with Renée Zellweger and Sissy Spacek, Guy Ritchie’s Wife & Dog (W/T), starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Rosamund Pike and Anthony Hopkins; and Jonah, starring Greta Lee and Cooper Hoffman.
Past releases include Daniel Roher’s Tuner, Ric Roman Waugh’s Shelter, and Andrew Patterson’s The Rivals of Amziah King. It likely hasn’t helped things that hits have been hard to come by for Black Bear in a challenging market for indies. The company’s entree was Sydney Sweeney’s boxing pic Christy, of which there were high hopes, but the movie only punched its way to $2M domestic. A strong team has been assembled so it’ll only be good for the market if the acquisitions start to catch fire. The more robust and successful buyers the better.
