Breakthrough Sets Up Film Distribution Unit

TORONTO: Breakthrough Entertainment is entering the arena of feature-film distribution, having set up a dedicated acquisition and sales unit for movies that will be led by Marina Cordoni.

Breakthrough’s film division will represent independent movies across TV, home entertainment and digital platforms as well as manage each title’s theatrical release. The new shingle will also manage theatrical feature distribution in Canada.

Serving as the VP of movies, Cordoni will oversee all acquisitions and distribution areas for the film division. Cordoni joined Breakthrough in 2005, with oversight for the development, financing and distribution of original and third-party produced feature films and TV movies.

The new division launches with six feature films for worldwide distribution. The slate includes Gods of Accident, a thriller directed by David A. Fischette and Jayme LaForest and written by Jayme LaForest; Dancing on the Edge, a suspense drama written by Alexander MacKenzie; and Coffee, Sex, You, a romantic drama starring Rosie Fellner, Casper Zafer and James Oliver Wheatley. Also in the catalogue are The Wrong Mr. Johnson and Hooked on Speedman. Breakthrough’s film unit also has the Canadian rights to a sixth film, Good Day for It, a modern-day western starring Robert Patrick, Lance Henrikson and Hal Halbrook.

“The establishment of a dedicated film distribution division—added to our company’s robust television production and distribution operations and renowned digital entertainment and games division—further positions Breakthrough Entertainment as a fully-integrated entertainment studio,” said Nat Abraham, the president of distribution for Breakthrough Entertainment. “Through her tenure with Breakthrough Entertainment, Marina has combined her sales prowess and creative skills to contribute towards the ongoing growth of our company and the success of our impressive roster of independent film producers.”

Cordoni added, “The emergence of digital platforms is one among a number of recent developments that are generating new opportunities for the independent film production community. In speaking with many film producers, one common theme has been the need for a distribution home that is both flexible and accessible enough to positively address their unique business objectives. In essence, independent film producers are searching for a real distribution partner—and that is exactly how we have set up our film division.”