Theatrical Distribution Assistant
Santa Monica, CA
Full Time
Entry Level
About Black Bear
Black Bear is one of the world’s leading independent studios, producing and releasing films of the highest quality across all genres. Founded in 2011, with offices in Santa Monica and London, the studio is behind a diversified slate that blends critically acclaimed, filmmaker-driven fare with broadly commercial action and genre titles. The company directly distributes films in the United States, U.K., Ireland, and Canada. Black Bear’s original films include Academy Award nominees Train Dreams, The Imitation Game, Sing Sing, Nyad, and Mudbound, previous releases such as Tuner, Dumb Money, Immaculate, I Care a Lot, A Working Man, Shelter, and In The Grey, and upcoming titles including Spa Weekend, Wicker, and more.
The Theatrical Distribution Department Assistant supports Black Bear Releasing's domestic in-theatre sales, marketing, and finance teams in distributing all Black Bear releases across North America. The role covers everything from day-to-day department administration to in-theatre sales and marketing, box office record keeping, and account collections. This is an entry-level opportunity for an organized, detail-oriented team player eager to build a career with a rapidly growing independent film distributor.
This is a full-time, in-office position based in Santa Monica, CA.
Responsibilities
Administration
- Schedule meetings and manage their logistics for the Theatrical Distribution team and the Head of Sales, U.S. Theatrical Distribution
- Provide day-to-day support to the Head of Sales, U.S. Theatrical Distribution
- Coordinate events and manage logistics for the team and partner departments
- Partner with Marketing, Finance, and other internal teams on administrative responsibilities
- Take on ad hoc projects as needed
- Build and maintain strong relationships with exhibition partners, theatre owners, film bookers, and other industry contacts
- Manage an assigned U.S. territory or group of exhibition accounts
- Plan for upcoming releases by strategically targeting theatres to maximize revenue
- Book play dates and play-off theatres for theatrically released films
- Secure holdovers to extend each film's run, using overnight and flash grosses to inform weekly decisions
- Monitor theatre showtimes and ensure compliance with sales policies
- Support the Head of In-Theatre Marketing on film marketing strategy, execution of in-theatre initiatives, and ad hoc projects
- Build strong relationships with exhibition marketing executives
- Ensure exhibitors display and/or program all in-theatre materials created for each film, such as one-sheets, standees, banners, and trailers
- Negotiate trailer placements and marketing programs with exhibitors
- Collect, enter, and troubleshoot Box Office Reports (BORs), maintaining accurate box office records and flagging under-reporting or irregularities
- Track outstanding balances for assigned accounts
- Ensure timely and accurate collection of final-billed film rental
- Research ticket pricing and historical BORs to support audit claims
- An exceptional work ethic and a willingness to take ownership of every task, large or small
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines, and manage competing priorities under pressure
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- A collaborative team player with a passion for film and a sense of humor, who shifts smoothly between multiple departments and projects
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Experience working in or for a movie theatre company
- Experience in theatrical sales, distribution, exhibition, agency, or a film studio
- Familiarity with box office reporting platforms such as Rentrak, Numero, and Webedia
- Marketing knowledge
- Analytical skills or accounting and financial record-keeping experience
Reports to: Head of Sales, U.S. Theatrical Distribution
Rate: $25/hour
Black Bear is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work visa sponsorship.
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