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Outerlight Entertainment Acquires Bleecker Street Media
Confirmed
In Short: Outerlight Entertainment has acquired independent film studio Bleecker Street Media, expanding its presence in the independent film space.
Outerlight Entertainment, formerly known as First Look Entertainment, has acquired independent feature film studio Bleecker Street Media, a move that solidifies Outerlight's position in the independent film market.
Founded in 2014 by the late Andrew Karpen, Bleecker Street has built a library of nearly 100 titles and has been a significant player in independent film distribution.
CEO Kent Sanderson expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, 'Outerlight shares our belief in the power of cinema and the importance of theatrical moviegoing, and its long-term backing gives us additional capacity to pursue the opportunities we see across our core film business as well as compelling new avenues in the film space.'
Bleecker Street’s current slate includes the Alex Gibney-directed documentary 'Musk,' which is currently in release, and the fall slate features films such as 'A Talent for Murder' starring Helen Mirren and 'Tender Loving Care' directed by Mike Leigh.
The acquisition provides Bleecker Street with long-term capital and additional resources to accelerate its growth strategy, including expanding its sister cinema event label Crosswalk.
Crosswalk recently released 'Hadestown: The Musical,' which grossed over $20 million during its limited theatrical run, setting a new record for the highest-grossing live theater capture.
Bleecker Street will continue to operate independently, retaining control of its slate, acquisitions, distribution strategy, marketing, and day-to-day operations.
The deal was advised by Sandy Climan of Entertainment Media Ventures and Matthew Wilkens of 44 Greenwich, with Pryor Cashman representing Outerlight Entertainment.
Chief Marketing Officer Tyler DiNapoli will remain at Bleecker following the acquisition, ensuring continuity in the company’s operations.
Both Outerlight Entertainment and Bleecker Street will continue to be operated independently, allowing for the expansion of new growth initiatives while maintaining their distinct identities.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies, as Outerlight Entertainment consolidates its position in the independent film market with the addition of Bleecker Street’s robust slate and established distribution network.
What this adds
The acquisition comes after the death of Bleecker Street’s founder and former CEO, Andrew Karpen, who passed away from an aggressive form of brain cancer in May 2025.
What's confirmed
- “Bleecker Street is growing, and our ambition is to continue scaling the company while staying true to what has always made us distinctive,” said Sanderson.
- Bleecker Street Media was advised on the transaction by Sandy Climan of Entertainment Media Ventures and Matthew Wilkens of 44 Greenwich.
- Chief Marketing Officer Tyler DiNapoli will also remain at Bleecker following the acquisition.
- With the backing of Outerlight, it plans to increase its investment in its existing film business while expanding new growth initiatives, including sister cinema event label Crosswalk.
- Outerlight Entertainment, formerly known as First Look Entertainment, has acquired independent feature film studio Bleecker Street Media.
- Karpen founded the New York-based Bleecker Street in 2014.
- Bleecker Street will continue to operate independently, managing its slate, acquisitions, distribution strategy, marketing, filmmaker relationships and day-to-day operations.
- The acquisition provides Bleecker Street with long-term capital and additional resources to accelerate its growth strategy.
- Pryor Cashman represented Outerlight Entertainment on the transaction.
- Its fall slate includes Anton Corbijn’s “A Talent for Murder,” starring Helen Mirren; Mike Leigh’s “Tender Loving Care,” starring Kate O’Flynn; Zachary Wigon’s “Victorian Psycho,” starring Maika Monroe; and Guy Nattiv’s “The Liberation,” starring Carrie Coon, Lily James, Odessa Young, Tracy Letts and Bella Ramsey.
What's still developing
- The acquisition comes after the distributor’s founder and then-CEO, Andrew Karpen, died from an aggressive form of brain cancer at the age of 59 in May 2025.
- The festival’s location is a draw for distributors and sales agents looking for awards contenders and world premieres on their doorstep. ’Puss In Boots: The Last Wish’ directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado serve up an entertaining family adventure Film will follow Cecil’s partnership with racehorse Frankel. ”These are issues that have touched me personally,” said the Italian producer at Rome Film Fest.
- The move puts Bleecker Street and Topic Studios, two of the most prominent independent studios, under the same roof.
- Bleecker Street will also remain an active buyer and distributor in the marketplace, and its current slate and all existing commitments will continue without disruption.
- The film earned more than $20 million during a limited theatrical run, becoming one of the sleeper hits of the summer box office.