Former Sony Pictures exec Katie Anderson has been named executive vp of acquisitions at Black Bear, with an eye to building out the company’s U.S. theatrical release slate.

Anderson has been charged with curating up to 12 films per year for cinema releases with a blend of director-driven, action and genre titles in the mix. “A great acquisitions team is key to our U.S. theatrical operations, and Katie is just who we want leading the charge as we head into Sundance and beyond,” Benjamin Kramer, president of U.S. releasing, said in a statement.

“As a former colleague and a partner on many films over the years, I’ve witnessed her sharp taste, terrific relationships, and clear read on what audiences are responding to right now,” Kramer added. Black Bear produces, finances and distributes film and TV content in the U.S. and internationally, and Anderson’s arrival coincides with the Teddy Schwarzman-led company taking steps to become a full-fledged indie studio.

Anderson, who will report to Kramer, joins Black Bear from Sony Pictures, where she was vp of acquisitions since joining the studio in 2021.

Her movie credits included Materialists, I Saw the TV Glow, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Bodies Bodies Bodies, and Black Bear’s own Dumb Money. Before Sony, Anderson worked at 30West as vp of productions, and earlier in her career had executive stints at CAA and Paramount Pictures.

Anderson said in her own statement: “Black Bear has become synonymous with top-quality filmmaking, known for producing and releasing everything from awards contenders like Train Dreams, Sing Sing, and The Imitation Game to talent-led audience favorites like Dumb Money, Immaculate, and A Working Man — not to mention Shelter coming later this month. I’m thrilled to continue expanding Black Bear’s slate, cultivating even more relationships with top filmmakers, producers, and financiers behind bold originals that connect with wide audiences.”

Black Bear’s U.S. theatrical release pipeline includes Ric Roman Waugh’s Shelter, starring Jason Statham, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, Naomi Ackie, and Bill Nighy, to premiere on Jan. 30. Other 2026 releases include Daniel Roher’s Tuner, starring Leo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman.