Entertainment executives Ahbra Perry and Jennifer Luisi have joined leading US digital distributor Giant Pictures in senior roles, alongside the promotion of Madeleine Schumacher, as the company looks to continue its expansion. The US indie's buzzy slate includes Oliver Stone documentary, NUCLEAR NOW (which is being sold internationally by Mediawan Rights at next week’s Cannes Film Market), as well as Tribeca Festival hit, CHOP & STEELE, released under Giant’s Drafthouse Films label.
As Director of OTT Channels, Ahbra Perry will oversee the development of new and existing streaming channels as Giant grows its AVOD and FAST linear business with content partners Tribeca Festival, Kino Lorber, and more. Perry is also heading up theatrical film acquisitions for the Drafthouse Films label, working closely with Alamo Drafthouse founder, Tim League and Fantastic Fest Director, Lisa Dreyer, to continue acquiring the provocative, visionary, and artfully unusual films for which Drafthouse is known. Perry comes to Giant from Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, where she served as Head of Alamo On Demand, the year-round VOD platform operated by the US theater chain. Perry is based in the Giant Pictures Los Angeles office.
Giant also welcomes Jennifer Luisi as its new Finance Director. Previously a 15-year veteran of AMC Networks, Luisi will take on responsibility for the financial management and planning of Giant’s VOD, theatrical and channels businesses. Luisi is based in the Giant Pictures New York office.
Rounding out the staffing news, Giant Pictures is thrilled to announce the promotion of Madeleine Schumacher to Director of Distribution. In her new role, Schumacher will lead Giant’s content team, working with filmmakers and streaming platforms on the company’s release slate of upwards of 50 films and documentaries per year, across the Giant Pictures and Drafthouse Films labels. Schumacher recently negotiated the US rights to the 2023 Oscar®-nominated documentary A HOUSE MADE OF SPLINTERS for Giant Pictures. Schumacher continues to be based in New York.
Nick Savva, General Manager of Giant Pictures said of the hires, "I am humbled to be working with such high caliber executives at Giant Pictures and Drafthouse Films as we continue our multi-year run of growth at the company."
Representatives from Giant Pictures and Drafthouse Films will participate in the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. They are pleased to announce their sponsorship of the Fantastic Pavilion, a new genre-focused hub that will feature screenings and events, marking its debut year at the Cannes Market.