![Benjamin Kramer Headshot Photo Credit_CAA[40][40]](https://d1nslcd7m2225b.cloudfront.net/Pictures/480xAny/8/2/9/1488829_benjaminkramerheadshotphotocredit_caa4040_107707.jpeg)
Black Bear said on Friday that head of US distribution Ben Kramer is departing the company.
The former co-head of CAA Media Finance joined in July 2025 and will stay on through the release on October 28 of the Sundance acquisition Wicker starring Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, and Peter Dinklage.
Kramer oversaw development of the domestic distribution infrastructure and a release slate targeting up to 12 films a year. The distribution business began with the disappointing roll-out of 2025 TIFF selection Christy starring Syndey Sweeney, which opened wide on $1.3m last November and went on to gross $1.9m in the US.
The Jason Statham action thriller Shelter opened in January and earned $12.8m, with Black Bear’s representatives calling it ”one of 2026’s top transactional titles”. 2025 Telluride selection Tuner starring Leo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman opened in May and earned $4.1m, and female-centric comedy Spa Weekend debuted in August and grossed $7m.
Black Bear CEO Teddy Schwarzman continues to oversee the global business with partner Michael Heimler and partner and president, international, John Friedberg. David Spitz is head of US theatrical distribution, Bianca Parkes serves as head of domestic marketing, Heather Phillips is head of domestic publicity, and Katie Anderson is EVP of acquisitions.
Earlier this week the company announced it had hired Dan Cohen as head of television distribution and had launched Black Bear Digital Networks to help independent content owners monetise across FAST, AVoD, and multicast networks and will also serve as a pipeline for Black Bear content alongside third-party libraries, talent, and brands.
Schwarzman said, “Ben has been hugely valuable in helping Black Bear stand up a powerful domestic operation,” adding: “The pieces are now in place for the next phase of Black Bear’s growth, and I’d like to thank Ben for his time and investment in Black Bear.”
Kramer said, “It is with a grateful and heavy heart I depart the great team at Black Bear. I remain a forever fan, deeply excited and hopeful for the company’s bright future.”
The US distribution slate includes David Leitch’s meta action comedy Jason Statham Stole My Bike starring Statham and Hannah Waddingham in 2027, and Guy Ritchie’s Wife & Dog (working title) with Benedict Cumberbatch, Rosamund Pike, and Anthony Hopkins.
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