Black Bear Studio Hires Bianca Parkes and Heather Phillips to Lead Marketing, Publicity
The independent studio expands its theatrical distribution team with two executives from Neon and 101 Studios, as it plans to release 12 films a year.
“This is another big moment in Black Bear’s growth as a domestic distributor, as we welcome two exceptionally talented and respected executives,”
- Starring
- Sydney Sweeney
Independent studio Black Bear has hired Bianca Parkes and Heather Phillips to lead its marketing and publicity efforts, according to Variety. The executives will oversee campaigns as the production company expands into U.S. theatrical distribution.
Parkes will serve as head of marketing, while Phillips will be the new head of publicity. Both will report to the company’s president of U.S. distribution, Benjamin Kramer.
Who did Black Bear hire?
The studio has brought on two veteran executives. Bianca Parkes joins from Neon, where she spent seven years working on Oscar-winning campaigns for films like "Parasite" and "Anora," as well as genre titles such as "Longlegs." She also led the company's design and merchandising division.
She previously served as chief communications officer for 101 Studios, the company behind "Yellowstone" and "1883."
What is Black Bear's distribution plan?
The hirings come as Black Bear builds out its domestic distribution arm, which it launched in 2025. The group plans to release approximately 12 films per year. Upcoming titles in its pipeline include David Leitch's action-comedy "Jason Statham Stole My Bike," Julia Cox's drama "A Woman in the Sun" featuring Renée Zellweger, and Andrew Patterson's "The Rivals of Amziah King" with Matthew McConaughey.
Company president Benjamin Kramer called the appointments "another big moment in Black Bear’s growth as a domestic distributor." In a statement, he praised the executives' understanding of modern audiences and their ability to drive engagement with innovative campaigns.
The studio, founded in 2011, began as an independent production company. Its move into distribution started with the Sydney Sweeney boxing drama "Christy."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will Bianca Parkes and Heather Phillips report to at Black Bear?
Both executives will report directly to Benjamin Kramer, the president of U.S. distribution for Black Bear. They will round out a leadership team that also includes former Lionsgate distribution head David Spitz.
What are some of Black Bear's upcoming movies?
The studio's upcoming slate includes David Leitch's "Jason Statham Stole My Bike" starring Jason Statham and Hannah Waddingham, Julia Cox's "A Woman in the Sun" with Renée Zellweger and Sissy Spacek, and Andrew Patterson's "The Rivals of Amziah King" featuring Matthew McConaughey. A comedy titled "Spa Weekend" starring Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher, Michelle Buteau, and Anna Faris is also on the schedule.
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