Drafthouse Films has struck an exclusive US distribution deal with Image Entertainment covering VoD, DVD, digital and television platforms.

Drafthouse, the distribution arm of the Alamo Drafthouse theatre chain, will retain theatrical rights on titles it acquires and appoint distributors on a case-by-case basis.

The company also announced it has acquired North American rights to Belgian crime drama Bullhead and 2012 foreign language Oscar submission Bullhead and the comedy Clown: The Movie. Drafthouse has not yet said whether it will release these titles theatrically or name a distributor.

Meanwhile former Anchor Bay executive James Emanuel Shapiro has joined the company as chief operating officer.

“We are ecstatic about adding Bullhead and Clown: The Movie to our growing lineup of films,” Drafthouse Films founder Tim League said. “They perfectly embody the bold and diverse slate that we plan to release under Drafthouse Films, and Image Entertainment is the perfect partner to help us get the broadest possible reach for them.”

“We are thrilled at being part of Alamo’s expansion,” Image vice-president of acquisitions Mark Ward said. “It’s going to be a pleasure working with them, releasing product fans will really enjoy.”

League, Victoria Cook of Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz and Liesl Copland of WME Global brokered the deal on behalf of Drafthouse Films with Image’s Ward and Jess De Leo.

Magnolia is handling the theatrical release on Drafthouse Films’ The ABCs Of Death and Drafthouse Films released Comin’ At Ya! 3D through the 10 Alamo Drafthouse venues.