EXCLUSIVE: Marking its milestone 40th anniversary, Wolfe Video is shaking things up, going into Cannes with fresh leadership and a strea
EXCLUSIVE: Marking its milestone 40th anniversary, Wolfe Video is shaking things up, going into Cannes with fresh leadership and a streaming-centric release strategy.
The world’s oldest and largest distributor of LGBTQ films has recently revamped its executive team and promoted former EVP of Distribution, Evan Schwartz, to Head of Content, after he joined Wolfe in 2017, as the company launches a fresh digital fulfillment infrastructure and a global distribution network.
“It is a thrilling opportunity to continue the legacy of Wolfe Video in this unprecedented industry landscape and cultural climate,” said Schwartz, who has previously held positions at Cinetic, Amplify Releasing, Brainstorm Media and Outfest. “I look forward to bringing Wolfe Video to new heights while honoring the revolutionary mission of the company.”
Kathy Wolfe, who founded the company in 1985 and retired from her role as CEO earlier this year, has continued at Wolfe in an advisory role.
“Wolfe Video began as a passion project to bring LGBTQ+ stories to light when they were nearly invisible,” said Wolfe. “Over the past 40 years, it has been incredible to witness how far we’ve come in terms of representation and visibility. I’m thrilled to see Wolfe Video move forward true as ever to the company’s mission.”
Evan Schwartz attends a ‘Behind The Curtain: Todrick Hall’ screening on Dec. 6, 2017 in New York City. (Kris Connor/Getty Images for Wolfe Video)
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Since the ’80s, the trailblazing distributor has been one of the first to supply LGBTQ titles for Blockbuster, Hollywood Video and Netflix’s DVD-by-mail service, in addition to serving as a launch partner for the latter’s streaming service in 2007. Wolfe is known for such films as Big Eden (2000), Sordid Lives (2000) and Hurricane Bianca (2016), as well as multiple Independent Spirit Award and GLAAD Media Award nominees.
After attending Cannes Film Festival this month, Wolfe Video will serve as a platinum sponsor at Provincetown Film Festival in June.
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