Black Bear International strengthens leadership team as company announces UK distribution plan

STX International UK senior executives Llewellyn Radley, Laura Austin Little, Jill Silfen and Mike Shanks joined John Friedberg in the new Black Bear International company as he announced UK distribution plans.

The announcement comes a few days after the news broke. STX closed its London office, which opened in 2017, which should have affected at least a dozen employees.

Friedberg stepped down as STX’s international president after a seven-year term last May. He then announced the formation of Black Bear International with Teddy Schwartzman during Cannes.

The arrival of his former colleagues from STX allowed Friedberg to build his international leadership team.

Radley joins as EVP, International and UK MD and will lead the launch of Black Bear’s direct distribution business in the UK, reporting to Friedberg.

The company distributes between 12 and 15 films per year, including Black Bear productions and UK and international acquisitions.

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Black Bear UK has already secured UK rights to two highly sought after titles: ConclaveDirected by Edward Berger and starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow. Knox leaves, Portrayed and directed by Michael Keaton.

The entry into the UK direct distribution market strategically complements Black Bear’s Canadian distribution operation, Elevation Pictures, led by Lori May and Noah Segal.

Little joins as executive vice president of international sales and will oversee the sales and licensing of Black Bear International titles. Prior to joining STX, Little held senior sales positions at Lakeshore Entertainment, Annapurna and Exclusive Media.

Silphen joins as General Counsel. Prior to STX, Silfeni was executive vice president of commercial affairs for Miramax and managed his own private practice, working for major studios and broadcasters including A24, Amazon and Focus.

Shanks joins the international group’s operations manager, overseeing all aspects of finance and operations for the UK and international operations. Prior to STX, Shanks held executive positions in the financial sector in companies including eOne and Sky.

“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Llewellyn, Laura, Jill and Mike to the Black Bear family. In recent years, they have proven to be an exceptionally hardworking and capable group of executives, ”Friedberg said.

“I look forward to solidifying our close working relationship as we establish Black Bear International as a force in the market and launch a dynamic distribution business in the New UK.”

Black Bear International is engaged in the international sales and distribution of premium movies and television programs, driving the international sales and distribution of Black Bear’s strong projects, aggressively securing international and territory-specific rights for critical and commercial content, and producing and opportunistically packaging the Black Bear International. Bear International plans to strengthen the council.

The company is gearing up for a fast-paced Toronto, where the company will officially launch both international projects and film acquisitions in the UK.