FilmRise has raised $25 million to finance acquisition and licensing of film and TV titles for all distribution channels, with a focus on web, mobile and emerging digital platforms, Variety has learned exclusively.
FilmRise’s recent acquisitions include “Janis: Little Girl Blue,” from director Amy Berg and producer Alex Gibney; the documentary “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans”; and the highest-grossing film in Chinese box office history, “Monster Hunt.”
Other titles include “Going Clear,” as well as the extensive libraries of genre studio Troma Entertainment (the “Toxic Avenger” series) and LGBT-themed distributor Water Bearer Films, including the films of Pier Paolo Pasolini.
The Brooklyn-based film and TV distributor has partnered with New York-based private investment firm Harlan Capital Partners LLC, which focuses on intellectual property. It joins FilmRise’s funds as lead investor.
“With deep industry knowledge and experience, Harlan Capital understands how FilmRise’s web-focused DNA has positioned the company to thrive across the new landscape of digital distribution,” said FilmRise CEO Danny Fisher. “They are bringing best practices and great resources to the table and we are looking forward to working closely with Josh and his team for years to come.”
FilmRise was founded by Fisher, Jack Fisher and Alan Klingenstein in 2010 as Fisher Klingenstein Films.
It has over 6,000 titles, including the documentary “Back in Time,” “Hank and Asha,” “Years of Living Dangerously” and “Forensic Files.” Films are in release digitally on Amazon Prime, iTunes, Netflix Instant Watch, Hulu, VUDU, Xbox, Sony PlayStation, Crackle, Fandor, and on DVD and BluRay on Amazon and over 200 online retailers.
“Danny Fisher and FilmRise are doing groundbreaking work in a very dynamic, fast-changing industry that is quickly transforming into a digital-based environment,” said Josh Harlan, founder and managing partner of Harlan Capital. “FilmRise’s track record is impressive and speaks for itself — we are excited to partner with the company and help it grow into an innovative, new-era digital distribution powerhouse.”
