Paramount alum Dan Cohen resurfaces at US film studio Black Bear

Dan Cohen

Former Paramount exec Dan Cohen has been named head of TV distribution at LA-based film studio Black Bear.

Cohen, who stepped down from his dual role as Paramount Global’s chief content licensing officer and president of film label Republic Pictures in summer 2025, will oversee Black Bear’s post-theatrical licensing operations in the new role.

He will also help to launch Black Bear Digital Networks, a new business unit created to help rights holders monetise content across free, ad-supported streaming television, AVoD and other digital networks using advanced programmatic offerings.

On the studio side, Black Bear has been behind film titles such as Train Dreams, Sing Sing and The Imitation Game. The company releases between 10 and 12 films each year in the US, with its upcoming releases including Wicker starring Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård and Peter Dinklage, as well as Wife & Dog, Jason Statham Stole My Bike, A Woman in the Sun and Alex Gibney’s high-profile doc about tech billionaire Musk.

Last year, Black Bear moved into the distribution business and Cohen’s appointment represents the next stage in that expansion. Black Bear’s licensing arm previously inked deals with streaming platforms including HBO Max, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock and Starz, the company said.

“Dan brings an exceptional combination of licensing expertise, industry relationships, and strategic vision,” said Black Bear CEO Teddy Schwarzman.

“His experience will be invaluable on multiple fronts, as we continue to invest in our US distribution business, expanding our reach across the post-theatrical marketplace, and as we open doors for other media entities to connect with audiences across the digital landscape.”

Cohen added: “Black Bear has built an excellent brand over the past 15 years, with a strong track record of championing original stories that connect with both critics and audiences.

“I have immense confidence in what they’re building for the future. There’s a great opportunity to expand the ways Black Bear films reach audiences while also creating new avenues for third-party content owners through Black Bear Digital Networks. I look forward to helping grow both businesses and finding new ways to bring great content to audiences.”