Black Bear Hires Dan Cohen to Lead TV Distribution, Launch Digital Networks

Black Bear has named Dan Cohen, a veteran of Paramount and Disney, as its head of television distribution and will launch a digital networks vertical under his leadership.

Cohen will oversee Black Bear's post-theatrical licensing infrastructure. He previously served as Paramount's chief content licensing officer and president of Republic Pictures. He stepped down in July 2025, ahead of Paramount's merger with David Ellison's Skydance Media. Before joining Paramount, Cohen spent 20 years at Disney/ABC, most recently as Walt Disney Studios' executive VP of Pay Television and Digital Sales for Home Entertainment and Television Distribution.

The hire supports Black Bear's investment in a broad slate of independent films. The studio aims to release 10-12 titles per year, with upcoming entries including "Wicker," "Wife and Dog," "Jason Statham Stole My Bike," "A Woman in the Sun," "Jonah" and "Atmosphere."

"Dan brings an exceptional combination of licensing expertise, industry relationships and strategic vision," Black Bear CEO Teddy Schwarzman said. "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."

Cohen's remit also includes the launch of Black Bear Digital Networks, a unit designed to help large independent content owners monetize their shows in a syndication-style model across a range of channels. The network's inaugural clients include Sinclair Networks, Tubi, CJ ENM and the National Wrestling Alliance.

Cohen framed the move as a chance to build on the company's record. "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," he said. "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."

The appointment signals how mid-sized independent studios are restructuring their distribution operations as streaming platforms consolidate and theatrical windows shrink. With Cohen's licensing background spanning two major studios and a client roster that already includes Tubi and CJ ENM, Black Bear is positioning itself not only as a film producer but as a distribution partner for other content owners.