Former Paramount Exec Dan Cohen Joins Black Bear

Black Bear, the company behind movies such as Train Dreams and Sing Sing, has a new head of television distribution.

The company, founded by Teddy Schwarzman, has hired former Paramount exec Dan Cohen in the role. It comes just over a year after Cohen left the studio ahead of its takeover by David Ellison’s Skydance.

Cohen, who was Chief Content Licensing Officer at Paramount and President of Republic Pictures, will oversee post-theatrical distribution of its movies, which including upcoming titles such as Wicker, Wife & Dog, Jason Statham Stole My Bike and A Woman in the Sun.

Recent deals for the company include Tuner, starring Leo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman, on Paramount+, and Ric Roman Waugh’s Shelter and Guy Ritchie’s In The Grey with Starz.

The company is also launching Black Bear Digital Networks, which will help independent content owners monetize across FAST and AVOD networks. It is working with companies such as Sinclair Networks, Tubi, CJ Enm and The National Wrestling Alliance.

“Dan brings an exceptional combination of licensing expertise, industry relationships, and strategic vision,” said Black Bear CEO Teddy Schwarzman. “His experience will be invaluable on multiple fronts, as we continue to invest in our U.S. distribution business, expanding our reach across the post-theatrical marketplace, and as we open doors for other media entities to connect with audiences across the digital landscape.”

“Black Bear has built an excellent brand over the past 15 years, with a strong track record of championing original stories that connect with both critics and audiences,” added Cohen. “I have immense confidence in what they’re building for the future. There’s a great opportunity to expand the ways Black Bear films reach audiences while also creating new avenues for third-party content owners through Black Bear Digital Networks. I look forward to helping grow both businesses and finding new ways to bring great content to audiences.”