FilmRise Raises $25M For Acquisitions To Serve Digital Platforms

Brooklyn-based film and TV distributor FilmRise says that it has raised $25 million to fund acquisitions and licensing deals — with a special focus on Internet, mobile and emerging digital platforms. Most of the cash comes from Josh Harlan’s investment firm Harlan Capital Partners; other participants remain undisclosed.

The investment goes to an acquisition fund managed by FilmRise. Harlan will receive a share of the revenues generated by the licenses acquired by the fund.

FilmRise CEO Danny Fisher and his colleagues “are doing groundbreaking work in a very dynamic, fast-changing industry that is quickly transforming into a digital-based environment,” said Harlan says. He expects his investment will help the firm to “grow into an innovative, new-era digital distribution powerhouse.”

FilmRise’s recent acquisitions include Janis: Little Girl Blue, Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans, and Chinese martial arts blockbuster Monster Hunt. It also acquired Going Clear, and libraries from Troma Entertainment and LGBT-themed distributor Water Bearer Films.

Fisher says that Harlan has “deep industry knowledge and experience” and brings “best practices and great resources to the table.”

Prior to founding his investment firm in 2011, Harlan served as portfolio manager for Canadian pension fund OPTrust and a media and technology specialist at Allen & Co.