Director, Film Acquisitions

Job Summary:

The Director of Acquisitions works with the VP, Acquisitions and Chief Distribution and Revenue Officer in identifying, evaluating, and securing new and library titles for distribution across Kino Lorber's platforms, including Theatrical, Digital, and Home Entertainment. This role builds and maintains strong industry relationships with filmmakers, producers, and sales agents, and serves as a key strategic contributor in shaping the company's slate through active participation in major film markets and festivals. The position requires deep market knowledge, creative insight, and strong negotiation skills to acquire high-value content aligned with the company's mission and commercial goals.

What you will do:

Acquisition Strategy & Content Evaluation

• In conjunction with the senior members of the Acquisitions team, identify, evaluate, negotiate and acquire new release and library titles across global markets.

• Analyze and track library renewal data and coordinate, with various teams (or different divisions), on the renewals.

• Source content and evaluate content within the framework of the acquisitions strategy as defined by the Acquisitions team by screening, reading scripts, writing coverage, checking for film avails and assessing market potential.

• Track production pipelines, monitor festival lineups, and evaluate pitches from sales agents and producers.

• Maintain current knowledge of content trends, emerging filmmakers, and competitive activity.

Deal Negotiation & Rights Management

• Negotiate distribution agreements and renewals with rights holders, including producers, sales agents, and international distributors.

• Coordinate closely with legal and finance teams to finalize contract terms and manage rights tracking.

• Maintain and update internal acquisition databases, rights templates, and contract status reports.

Market & Festival Participation

• Represent Kino Lorber at key festivals and markets (e.g., Sundance, Berlin, Cannes, Toronto) in coordination with team members in attendance.

• Schedule and coordinate meetings and screenings with industry partners.

• Generate post-market acquisition reports and contribute to strategic planning of future market participation.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with Theatrical, Digital, and Home Entertainment teams to align acquisition decisions with release strategies.

• Share timely updates on title availability, rights windows, and contract status.

• Coordinate internal title review sessions and recommend acquisition priorities.

Industry Relationships & Outreach

• Build and maintain strong relationships with content creators, sales agents, and producers.

• Act as a key point of contact for inbound acquisition inquiries.

• Cultivate long-term partnerships to secure future opportunities and renew existing content.

What you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Film, Media Studies, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.

• 5–7+ years of experience in acquisitions, international sales, content licensing, or film distribution.

• Proven track record of sourcing, evaluating, and acquiring feature films and library titles. Ability to evaluate content and assess its market potential.

• Demonstrated success in negotiating and closing distribution agreements.

• Strong network of contacts in the independent and international film community.

• Deep understanding of market dynamics across the film & television industry.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and database systems; experience with rights management tools a plus.

• Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple deals and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Passion for cinema and commitment to curating a diverse, high-quality slate of films.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Frequently communicates with co-workers, filmmakers, and partners. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. Occasional travel to attend markets, festivals, and industry events required.

Salary Range: $90,000 to $100,000 annually based on experience.

Kino Lorber Media Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Reasonable accommodation during the hiring process is available upon request. A background check is required prior to employment.