Quiver Distribution
Quiver Distribution is an American-Canadian independent film production and distribution company founded in 2019 by industry veterans Berry Meyerowitz, Jeff Sackman, and Sean Monson, operating primarily in the United States, Canada, and international markets.[1][2] The company focuses on acquiring, producing, and distributing high-quality, talent-driven films across digital, linear, cable, and satellite platforms, establishing itself as a key player in the independent film sector through partnerships with major streaming services and theatrical distributors.[1][3] Since its inception, Quiver has built a robust slate of releases featuring prominent actors and directors, including films such as Becky with Kevin James, and Chick Fight featuring Alec Baldwin.[1] More recent projects highlight its ongoing commitment to diverse genres, with titles like London Calling (starring Josh Duhamel), Cleaner (with Daisy Ridley), Irena's Vow, The Girl in the Pool, and Die Alone.[1] Led by Co-Presidents Meyerowitz and Sackman—each with decades of experience in film production and executive roles at companies like eOne and Lionsgate—alongside CFO Sean Monson and Head of Acquisitions Larry Greenberg, Quiver leverages over 80 years of combined industry expertise to finance, develop, and market its projects.[1][2] The company's rapid growth has positioned it as a leader in bridging independent filmmakers with global audiences, emphasizing commercially viable content that appeals to both theatrical and home entertainment viewers.[3]Company profile
Founding
Quiver Distribution was established on May 14, 2019, by industry veterans Berry Meyerowitz, Jeff Sackman, and Sean Monson.[2][4][5] The company's initial motivations centered on capitalizing on the rise of streaming platforms by acquiring and distributing entertaining, star-driven independent films across multiple channels.[4] Meyerowitz and Sackman aimed to leverage their extensive networks to bridge independent content with emerging digital markets, including services like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu.[4][6] Incorporated as an American-Canadian entity, Quiver Distribution operates with offices in Los Angeles and Toronto, targeting distribution in the U.S., Canada, and international territories.[4][2] A key figure in its founding, Berry Meyerowitz brought prior experience from founding Phase 4 Films in 2009, which grew into a prominent independent distributor before facing challenges following its 2014 acquisition by Entertainment One.[2][4]Leadership and key personnel
Quiver Distribution's leadership is spearheaded by co-presidents and co-founders Berry Meyerowitz and Jeff Sackman, who bring decades of experience in film production, financing, and distribution. Meyerowitz, with over 25 years in the industry, previously founded Phase 4 Films, where he served as president and CEO, and later led Entertainment One's (eOne) U.S. film business as president, overseeing revenue growth through digital distribution strategies.[1] As co-president, he has executive produced more than 30 films, including Jungle and Chick Fight, and has shaped Quiver's focus on curating a selective slate of talent-driven independent films, emphasizing partnerships with global streaming and cable platforms to enhance market reach.[1] Jeff Sackman, the other co-president and co-founder, contributes over 35 years of expertise, having served as president of Lionsgate Films and founded ThinkFilm, as well as launching Hollywood Suite, a Canadian premium movie channel.[1] He has produced or executive produced more than 75 films, such as American Psycho and Becky, leveraging his background in film financing and production deals to drive Quiver's innovative distribution models and talent acquisition efforts, including collaborations with established directors and actors to build a diverse portfolio.[1][4] Sean Monson, co-founder and chief financial officer, manages the company's financial operations, mergers and acquisitions, and overall growth strategies, drawing on more than 20 years in film finance from roles as executive vice president of finance at eOne and Phase 4 Films.[1] His expertise has supported Quiver's expansion by ensuring fiscal stability for international sales partnerships and content investments.[2] Larry Greenberg heads acquisitions and U.S. distribution, bringing experience as a former vice president at Showtime Networks and senior vice president at Phase 4 Films.[1] He has executive produced films, including Becky and Jungle, contributing to Quiver's strategy of securing high-impact independent projects through targeted talent partnerships.[1] The executive team's combined 80+ years of industry knowledge has positioned Quiver to forge strategic alliances with platforms like Redbox Entertainment for co-financing and co-distribution as of 2025, while prioritizing the acquisition of premium content from emerging and established filmmakers.[1][7][8]History
Inception (2019)
Quiver Distribution was officially launched on May 14, 2019, by Berry Meyerowitz, former president of eOne's U.S. film division and founder of Phase 4 Films, and Jeff Sackman, ex-president of Lionsgate Films, aiming to acquire and distribute entertaining, star-driven independent films optimized for emerging digital platforms and traditional theaters.[2][4] The company's inaugural slate included high-profile thrillers such as The Fanatic, starring John Travolta and set for a limited theatrical release on September 6, 2019, Running with the Devil featuring Nicolas Cage, and the erotic thriller An Affair to Die For with Claire Forlani, marking Quiver's entry into the competitive independent acquisition space.[2][6][1] To support its operations, Quiver established offices in Los Angeles and Toronto, Canada, assembling a core team that included Sean Monson as head of finance and operations—previously a key executive at Phase 4 Films—and Larry Greenberg as general counsel to handle legal and business affairs.[4] This cross-border setup enabled efficient navigation of North American markets, with an emphasis on building relationships for both theatrical and streaming releases amid the accelerating shift toward digital consumption in the independent film sector.[3][2] In its first year, Quiver forged early partnerships to bolster distribution, notably teaming up with Redbox Entertainment in November 2019 for co-financing, co-production, and co-distribution of films, beginning with The Fanatic and Running with the Devil to leverage Redbox's physical and digital rental networks.[8] These alliances addressed challenges in the fragmented indie market, where traditional theatrical windows were shortening due to the rise of on-demand services, requiring agile strategies to secure visibility for acquired titles without relying solely on wide releases.[2][9]Development and expansion (2020–present)
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Quiver Distribution pivoted to simultaneous theatrical and video-on-demand (VOD) releases in 2020, enabling continued operations amid theater closures. This strategy facilitated the release of films such as Becky starring Kevin James and Crisis featuring Gary Oldman and Evangeline Lilly, alongside the TV series Paradise City. The company also expanded its library by acquiring approximately 700 titles from Kew Media Distribution, outbidding nearly 40 competitors, which bolstered its content offerings for digital platforms.[9] By 2022, Quiver shifted its business model from primarily acquiring completed films to financing and producing original content, driven by intensifying competition and rising costs from streaming services like Netflix and Amazon. This change allowed greater control over project selection, focusing on low-budget action and thriller genres under $10 million with international appeal. A key example was their production of Walter Hill's western Dead for a Dollar, starring Christoph Waltz and Willem Dafoe, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and exemplified their nimble, self-funded approach.[3] In 2023, Quiver advanced its international presence through global distribution deals, operating across the U.S., Canada, and select overseas markets while managing a library exceeding 700 titles. The company solidified its leadership in independent cinema with releases like The Wrath of Becky and the Holocaust drama Irena's Vow, the latter earning critical recognition at the Toronto International Film Festival and grossing over $1.1 million domestically, highlighting their success in talent-driven narratives. Partnerships with major streaming platforms, including Hulu and digital broadcasters, enhanced revenue streams and accessibility for indie titles.[10] As of 2025, Quiver has grown its television distribution efforts, building on early series like Paradise City to include broader content licensing for linear and streaming outlets, while maintaining a robust film slate with releases such as Cleaner starring Daisy Ridley. In late 2025, the company continued its expansion with acquisitions including the thriller Saint Clare (released July 2025), Uwe Boll's Run (September 2025), and Blue Eyed Girl (announced October 2025). Recognized annually in industry rankings as a top indie distributor, the company continues to scale operations through strategic acquisitions and production, positioning itself for sustained growth in the evolving digital landscape.[5][1][11][12][13]Business operations
Production and acquisition
Quiver Distribution initially operated primarily as a distributor but transitioned into in-house production around 2020 to secure full rights control over its content, driven by market challenges in acquiring comprehensive exploitation rights for third-party films.[3] This strategic shift allowed the company to develop and produce original projects, ensuring vertical integration across production, acquisition, and distribution phases. The company's acquisition process emphasizes a selective slate of talent-driven scripts, prioritizing high-quality independent films from both established and emerging directors. Projects are evaluated based on their potential for broad appeal, with a focus on genres such as thrillers, dramas, and action films that feature strong narrative elements and star attachments to enhance market viability. For instance, Quiver targets mid-tier indie productions that balance creative ambition with commercial prospects, often involving actors like Daisy Ridley in Cleaner to leverage recognizable talent.[1] In terms of owned content, Quiver has invested in co-productions and fully in-house developments, such as Dead for a Dollar (2022), which exemplifies its approach to content ownership through financing and creative oversight.[3] More recent examples include Agent Recon (2023), a military action/sci-fi film completed in-house.[14] These efforts highlight a preference for mid-budget films that allow for artistic risk-taking while aligning with audience demands for genre-driven storytelling. As of 2025, Quiver continues to expand its production slate, including acquisitions like Wanted Man (2023) starring Dolph Lundgren.[15] Quiver fosters partnerships with filmmakers during the development stage, collaborating on script refinement and financing to align projects with its distribution pipeline. These alliances, often with international producers and talent agencies, enable co-productions that expand Quiver's library while mitigating financial risks through shared resources.[1]Distribution strategies
Quiver Distribution primarily focuses on North American territories, with a core emphasis on the United States and Canada, where it acquires and handles distribution rights for independent films. For international markets, the company employs sales agents to facilitate broader global reach, leveraging partnerships to expand beyond its domestic base. This territorial strategy allows Quiver to capitalize on regional audience preferences while minimizing overhead through targeted acquisitions.[1][4] The company adopts a multi-channel approach to platforms, delivering content across theatrical releases, video on demand (VOD), streaming services—including subscription video on demand (SVOD), advertising-based video on demand (AVOD), and premium VOD (PVOD)—as well as digital, linear television, cable, and satellite outlets. This diversified delivery model ensures films reach audiences through traditional and emerging mediums, adapting to evolving consumer habits in the post-pandemic landscape. Marketing tactics center on harnessing star power and genre appeal, particularly for talent-driven projects in action, thriller, and drama categories, to drive visibility and engagement via strategic partnerships with major platforms.[1][3] Quiver's revenue model emphasizes full rights exploitation to maximize monetization across all distribution windows, enabling comprehensive revenue streams from initial theatrical runs to long-tail digital and ancillary sales. Innovations in the company's strategy include hybrid release models that combine theatrical and streaming launches, particularly post-COVID, alongside direct-to-streaming options for select titles to meet platform-specific demands and accelerate market entry in a digital-first era. This agile approach supports a selective slate of films, prioritizing financial viability and creative alignment. Recent examples include the theatrical release of Cleaner on February 21, 2025, followed by streaming on Max starting June 13, 2025.[1][3][16]Filmography
Released films
Quiver Distribution's released films demonstrate a focus on independent productions, with over 50 titles distributed by November 2025, emphasizing genre diversity across thrillers, dramas, and action films where the company held primary distribution or production roles.[17] The company's output began modestly in the late 2010s before expanding in the 2020s, often prioritizing VOD and limited theatrical releases for audience accessibility.2010s Releases
Quiver's inaugural release was the dramedy Phil on July 5, 2019, directed by and starring Greg Kinnear as a depressed dentist who fakes a suicide attempt to reconnect with life, with Emily Mortimer and Bradley Whitford in key roles. The film explores themes of friendship and redemption.)[18] Subsequent 2019 releases included Astronaut on July 26, directed by Shelagh McLeod and starring Richard Dreyfuss as a widower pursuing a dream to become an astronaut, alongside Lyriq Bent and Colm Feore; it blends sci-fi drama with family dynamics.)[19] The Fanatic followed on August 30, directed by Fred Durst and starring John Travolta as an obsessive fan stalking an actor, with Devon Sawa; the thriller highlights dangers of celebrity obsession.)[20] Running with the Devil premiered on September 20, directed by Jason Cabell and featuring Nicolas Cage, Laurence Fishburne, and Cole Hauser in a drug cartel thriller tracing cocaine's journey.[21] The year's output concluded with the erotic thriller An Affair to Die For on October 4, 2019, directed by Víctor García and starring Claire Forlani as a woman whose discovery of her husband's infidelity leads to a deadly confrontation with a stalker.[22] Key cast also includes Jake Abel and Titus Welliver; the film explores themes of betrayal and survival in a remote setting.[23]2020s Releases
The 2020s marked significant growth for Quiver, with releases averaging several per year and notable box office performers in limited runs, such as Becky ($1 million domestic) and Irena's Vow ($1.19 million domestic).[24] Below is a chronological selection of key films, highlighting Quiver's role in bringing independent stories to North American audiences.| Year | Title | Director(s) | Key Cast | Genre | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Becky | Jonathan Milott, Cary Murnion | Lulu Wilson, Kevin James, Joel McHale | Action Thriller | A young girl defends her family from escaped convicts during a lakeside vacation; premiered at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival before Quiver's VOD release on June 5. Box office: $1,002,852 domestic.[25][26] |
| 2020 | Chick Fight | Paul Leyden | Malin Akerman, Bella Thorne, Alec Baldwin | Action Comedy | A down-on-her-luck woman joins an underground female fight club to reclaim her life and bar; acquired by Quiver for North American rights in September 2020.[27][28] |
| 2022 | Dead for a Dollar | Walter Hill | Christoph Waltz, Willem Dafoe, Rachel Brosnahan | Western | A bounty hunter pursues a kidnapped woman across the 1870s New Mexico desert, uncovering a web of deceit; Quiver handled U.S. distribution for the veteran director's return to the genre.[29] |
| 2023 | The Wrath of Becky | Matt Angel, Suzanne Coote | Lulu Wilson, Seann William Scott | Action Horror | Sequel to Becky, following the protagonist's revenge against neo-Nazi invaders two years later; emphasized brutal, character-driven violence in its limited theatrical run starting May 26. Box office: $168,109 domestic.[30] |
| 2024 | Irena's Vow | Louise Archambault | Sophie Nélisse, Dougray Scott, Andrzej Seweryn | War Drama | Based on the true story of a Polish teen hiding Jews from Nazis during World War II; Quiver distributed the English-language version, premiering in theaters on April 15 with Fathom Events. Box office: $1,193,687 domestic.[31][32] |
| 2025 | Cleaner | Martin Campbell | Daisy Ridley, Clive Owen | Action Thriller | A window cleaner witnesses a hostage crisis at a high-rise gala and becomes an unlikely hero; Quiver acquired North American rights in late 2024 for its February 21 theatrical and VOD rollout. Box office: $794,091 domestic (as of November 2025).[33][34] |
| 2025 | Deadly Vows | Jared Cohn, Bahar Bella Danesh | Shiva Negar, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Billy Zane, Peter Facinelli, Shane West | Crime Thriller | Inspired by true events, a doctor's wife uncovers her husband's murderous secrets; acquired by Quiver in October 2025 and released on November 14 via theaters, VOD, and digital platforms. Limited box office data available as of November 18, 2025.[35][36][37] |