Sophie Doherty

Source: Bertie Watson Photography

Sophie Doherty

UK distribution and production outfit Signature Entertainment has bolstered its commitment to theatrical distribution with the hire of Sophie Doherty in the newly-created role of head of theatrical sales.

Doherty joins from London’s Regent Street Cinema where she was cinema content manager. Before this Doherty worked at Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures as sales manager and has also worked at eOne and Momentum Pictures. She is also an alumnus of the UK’s National Film and Television School training and leadership scheme, Inside Pictures. 

She starts today (January 19) and reports into Signature’s sales director Claire Loewenthal, who has recently moved into the position from marketing director, taking over from James Javes.

A statement from Signature said: “Doherty’s hire reflects Signature’s active strategic focus to bolster the company’s acquisition and distribution of highly regarded, commercial and festival lauded films to cinemagoing audiences, and beyond.”

Box office successes from 2022 for Signature included Orphan: First Kill, that took almost £2.6m at the UK box office.

“The upcoming Signature theatrical slate is truly compelling, and we know Sophie’s expertise and knowledge of the world of UK cinema will help take the company to new heights this year,” said Loewenthal.

“Throughout my career, helping a diverse range of films and big screen audiences find each other has been at the heart of everything I do,” added Doherty. ”Signature are perfectly positioned to support both filmmakers, producers and our cinema exhibition partners by bringing a carefully curated eclectic range of feature films to both returning and first-time cinema-goers of all ages.”

Signature’s 2023 theatrical release slate includes A24 drama The Inspection, Toronto premiere My Sailor, My Love and Locarno title LOLA.