Key Takeaways
- Row K Entertainment, a new film distributor, was launched in August 2025 with a focus on acquiring and distributing independent narrative movies.
- The company’s founders, Megan Colligan and Steve Garrett, have a background in film marketing and distribution, having worked at companies such as Searchlight, Paramount Pictures, and IMAX.
- Row K Entertainment is committed to theatrical-first releases and has acquired films by notable directors, including Gus Van Sant, Maude Apatow, and Jaume Collet-Serra.
- The company plans to attend the Sundance Film Festival and is hopeful about the future of indie narrative movies despite the current challenges facing the film industry.
Introduction to Row K Entertainment
The film industry has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, with the rise of streaming services and the decline of traditional theatrical releases. However, amidst this chaos, a new player has emerged in the form of Row K Entertainment, a film distributor that is committed to acquiring and distributing independent narrative movies. The company was launched in August 2025, just ahead of the Venice Film Festival, where it acquired its first film, Gus Van Sant’s "Dead Man’s Wire". Since then, Row K Entertainment has announced the acquisition of several other films, including "Poetic License" by Maude Apatow, a "Cliffhanger" remake by Jaume Collet-Serra, and "Charlie Harper" by Tom Dean and Mac Eldridge.
The Founders of Row K Entertainment
The founders of Row K Entertainment, Megan Colligan and Steve Garrett, bring a wealth of experience to the table. Colligan has a background in film marketing, having worked at companies such as Searchlight, Paramount Pictures, and IMAX. Garrett, on the other hand, has a background in distribution, having served as an SVP of distribution at IMAX and as head of sales for the former Paramount Vantage. The two met while working at Paramount Pictures and decided to launch their own company, with the goal of creating a distributor that would focus on acquiring and distributing independent narrative movies. The name "Row K Entertainment" comes from the fact that row K is considered the best row in a movie theater, and the company’s founders hope to bring that same level of excitement and quality to the films they distribute.
The Company’s Mission and Plans
In a recent podcast episode, Colligan and Garrett discussed their vision for Row K Entertainment and their plans for the future. They explained that they chose Gus Van Sant’s "Dead Man’s Wire" as their flagship title because of its unique blend of action and drama, and its potential to appeal to a wide range of audiences. They also discussed their commitment to theatrical-first releases, which they believe are essential for creating a sense of community and excitement around a film. The company plans to attend the Sundance Film Festival, where they hope to acquire new films and build relationships with filmmakers and other industry professionals. Despite the challenges facing the film industry, Colligan and Garrett are hopeful about the future of indie narrative movies and believe that there is still a strong demand for high-quality, unique films.
The State of the Film Industry
The film industry has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, with the rise of streaming services and the decline of traditional theatrical releases. The acquisition markets at festivals have dwindled, and many festivals have returned to their original function of network- and relationship-building. However, Colligan and Garrett believe that this shift has created new opportunities for independent filmmakers and distributors. They argue that the current landscape allows for more innovative and creative approaches to film distribution, and that companies like Row K Entertainment can thrive by focusing on unique, high-quality films that might not have been viable in the past. The company’s commitment to theatrical-first releases is also a key part of its strategy, as it believes that this approach helps to create a sense of excitement and community around a film.
Looking Ahead to 2026
In addition to discussing Row K Entertainment, the podcast episode also looked ahead to the upcoming year in film. Anne Thompson and Ryan Lattanzio counted down the 15 new movies they are most excited for in 2026, with a focus on films that have guaranteed release dates and distribution. The list included a range of films, from big-budget blockbusters to independent dramas and comedies. The episode also looked back at the week in awards season, including the Critics Choice Awards and the New York Film Critics Circle gala. Overall, the episode provided a comprehensive look at the current state of the film industry and the exciting developments that are on the horizon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Row K Entertainment is a new player in the film industry that is committed to acquiring and distributing independent narrative movies. The company’s founders, Megan Colligan and Steve Garrett, bring a wealth of experience to the table, and their commitment to theatrical-first releases and unique, high-quality films is a key part of their strategy. Despite the challenges facing the film industry, Colligan and Garrett are hopeful about the future of indie narrative movies and believe that there is still a strong demand for high-quality, unique films. With its focus on innovative approaches to film distribution and its commitment to supporting independent filmmakers, Row K Entertainment is an exciting new development in the world of film.