Sony’s Katie Anderson Named Acquisitions Head at Black Bear

Katie Anderson has been named executive vice president of acquisitions at upsizing indie label Black Bear.

Coming from her role as VP at Sony Pictures, Anderson joins newly-minted Black Bear president and former CAA indie sales whiz Ben Kramer at the shop. She will service the U.S. theatrical distribution operation, which has ambitions to release 12 domestic films per year. Her marching orders are to deliver a slate that blends filmmaker-driven fare with broad action and genre titles. The hire comes as Hollywood prepares to screen and bid on buzzy films at January’s Sundance Film Festival.

“A great acquisitions team is key to our U.S. theatrical operations, and Katie is just who we want leading the charge as we head into Sundance and beyond,” said Kramer. “As a former colleague and a partner on many films over the years, I’ve witnessed her sharp taste, terrific relationships, and clear read on what audiences are responding to right now.”

Anderson spent almost 5 years at Sony, leading domestic and international acquisitions. Her notable gets were Celine Song’s “Materialists,” the Sundance breakout “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret,” “Bodies, Bodies, Bodies” and “Dumb Money.” Previously she held a VP of production role at 30West, where she contributed to films including Oscar winner “I, Tonya” and Cannes hit “The Silent Twins.” Anderson also had stints at CAA and Paramount Pictures.

“Black Bear has become synonymous with top-quality filmmaking, known for producing and releasing everything from awards contenders like ‘Train Dreams,’ ‘Sing Sing,’ and ‘The Imitation Game’ to talent-led audience favorites like ‘Dumb Money,’ ‘Immaculate’ and ‘A Working Man’ — not to mention ‘Shelter’ coming later this month,” said Anderson, referencing Black Bear’s upcoming Jason Statham title. “I’m thrilled to continue expanding Black Bear’s slate, cultivating even more relationships with top filmmakers, producers, and financiers behind bold originals that connect with wide audiences.”