Black Bear Hires Distribution Vet Frank Patterson As General Sales Manager

EXCLUSIVE: Black Bear‘s new U.S. distribution arm has added Disney and Sony vet Frank Patterson as General Sales Manager to their ranks.

Patterson will report to David Spitz, Head of U.S. Theatrical Distribution.

Patterson counts 30 decades-plus of distribution experience at top studios and leading independent film companies. He will contribute to the division’s theatrical release of up to 12 films per year, helping curate and deliver a slate that includes critically acclaimed, filmmaker-driven fare with broad action and genre titles.

“Frank is an exceptional sales executive with deep-rooted relationships across the exhibition community and an outstanding record of delivering results,” said Spitz. “His experience with both major studios and indie leaders, combined with his passion for the theatrical experience, make him a tremendous addition to our team. We have an exciting slate coming together for 2026 and beyond, and I’m thrilled to work with Frank to bring it to audiences around the country.”

“Building on its success in other markets, Black Bear is quickly establishing itself as one of the most exciting distributors in the U.S., and I’m thrilled to join at this pivotal moment of growth,” said Patterson. “David and his team have already curated an excellent film slate for the near future, and I look forward to leveraging my vast experience to help shape the company’s success.”

Patterson joins Black Bear from Sony Pictures Releasing, where he oversaw theatrical distribution across the Southern Division. Before Sony, Frank spent over a decade at The Walt Disney Company, playing a central role in sales operations for the Eastern Region. Previously, he held senior leadership positions at Miramax Films, directing domestic distribution and contributing to marketing and publicity efforts, including on Academy Award campaigns for such films as The Queen, Tsotsi, and No Country for Old Men. Earlier in his career, Frank held executive sales roles at Artisan Releasing and Savoy Pictures, having begun his career at Paramount Pictures.

Launched last July, Black Bear’s U.S. distribution arm expands its multinational theatrical business — already an industry leader in the U.K., Ireland, and Canada, where subsidiary Elevation Pictures is the top independent theatrical distributor. Under the leadership of Spitz and President Benjamin Kramer, the division has set several releases for 2026, including Daniel Roher’s Tuner, starring Leo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman, which screened to great acclaim at Telluride and TIFF, and Ric Roman Waugh’s Shelter, starring Jason Statham, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, Naomi Ackie, and Bill Nighy.