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.
About the Role
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
Sales 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
Marketing 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
Finance 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
Qualifications 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)
Preferred Qualifications 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.…