INDIE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL 33 ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES

By :Billy Gil | Posted: 15 Jun 2010

A new distribution company, Level 33 Entertainment, has launched.

Company executives see an opportunity in the marketplace to supply and distribute original content across all platforms (DVD, video on demand and via the Internet) and market the content to minimize expenses and maximizes profits to rights holders, said EVP Sheldon Brigman, formerly with Ventura Distribution and a former film sales representative with Spy Filmz.

“We’ve heard far too many stories from filmmakers of their disappointing experiences with distributors, where producers and investors end up with the short end of the stick,” Brigman said. “Level 33 looks to break away from that model by partnering with filmmakers to promote their movies and help them realize a bigger share of the profits.”

Level 33 will focus on building fan communities via social networking and online promotions. Brigman said the company will focus on genre and niche films, and aims to acquire and distribute about 12 films in its first full year of operation.

The company has already acquired zombie comedy Aaah! Zombies!!, from director Matthew Kohnen and starring Matthew Davis (“Vampire Diaries”), as well as urban crime thriller Blues, from director and Sundance alum Brandon Sonnier (The Beat), and starring Sydney Tamiia Poitier (Death Proof), Ty Hodges (“Even Stevens”) and Ari Graynor (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist). They will be released on DVD in August and September.