Paul Serwitz
Westlake Village,CA
Summary
Experienced and well regarded Film industry professional with executive background, strong leadership and relationship-building skills. Over 30 years working with major film studios, independent distributors, exhibitors, vendors and organizational personnel in the exhibition and distribution spaces of the industry.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Theatrical Distribution
Roadside Attractions
02.2026 - Current
- Lead development of release dates and release pattern strategies based on film genre, market analysis and contractual obligations
- Develop and coordinate sales and distribution plans
- Execute national distribution goals and set film for release with exhibition/theatre circuits
- Lead Distribution Sales team
- Work with exhibition partners throughout film's theatrical engagement and market run
- Negotiate film terms with exhibition/theatre circuits
- Assist with potential film acquisition opportunities
- Participate in marketing/publicity development and strategies for film release campaigns
Distribution Consultant
Roadside Attractions
03.2024 - 01.2026
- Assist with development of release dates and release pattern strategies based on film genre, market analysis and contractual obligations
- Develop and coordinate sales and distribution plans
- Execute national distribution goals and set film for release with exhibition/theatre circuits
- Work with exhibition partners throughout film's theatrical engagement and market run
- Negotiate film terms with exhibition/theatre circuits
- Assist with analysis of potential film acquisition opportunities
- Participate in marketing/publicity development and strategies for film release campaigns
Distribution Consultant
GVN Releasing
03.2023 - 08.2023
- Assisted with release date and release pattern strategies
- Coordinated sales and distribution plans
- Executed national distribution goals and set film for release with exhibition/theatre circuits
- Worked with exhibition partners throughout film's theatrical engagement and market run
- Coordinated on Marketing & Publicity strategies for film's release campaign
President & Chief Operating Officer
Landmark Theatres
10.2019 - 01.2022
- Oversight of all company business including Film, Marketing, Operations, Real Estate & Development, Finance, HR and IT
- Specific emphasis on working with Studio and Distribution partners regarding content programming, release strategies and relations
- Developed and implemented new strategies and policies in collaboration with executive partners to establish and achieve long-term business objectives, providing company with strong and sustainable organizational leadership.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Monitored financial performance and implemented measures to enforce compliance with budgetary standards.
- Facilitated communication between departmental teams and stakeholders to build consensus.
- Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.
- Reduced operational costs through strategic cost management initiatives.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
Distribution Consultant
A24 Films
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Assisted with release date and release pattern strategies on multiple films
- Coordinated sales and distribution plans on multiple films
- Executed national distribution goals and set films for release with exhibition/theatre circuits
- Worked with exhibition partners throughout each film's theatrical engagements and market run
Vice President Film
Regal Entertainment Group
04.2002 - 12.2018
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with studios and independent distributors
- Attended distributor meetings, promoting the company brand and building rapport with studio partners
- Interfaced with distributors to resolve problems in a timely manner
- Identified and solved issues to drive business objectives
- Supervised and coordinated the national Art & Specialized program
- Regularly screened film early, including attendance at film festivals, to evaluate potential performance
- Increased company growth through effective collaboration with the Marketing and Operations departments
- Managed, hired and trained employees to maximize productivity while executing best practices and protocols
- Realized cost savings through negotiated film deals and film rental with distributors
Senior Film Buyer
Regal Cinemas, Inc.
05.1996 - 04.2002
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with studios and independent distributors
- Attended distributor meetings, promoting the company brand and building rapport with studio partners
- Interfaced with distributors to resolve problems in a timely manner
- Identified and solved issues to drive business objectives
- Regularly screened film early to evaluate potential performance
- Increased company growth through effective collaboration with the Marketing and Operations departments
- Managed, hired and trained employees to maximize productivity while executing best practices and protocols
- Realized cost savings through negotiated film deals and film rental with distributors
Film Buyer
Tri-State Theatre Service
05.1994 - 05.1996
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with studios and independent distributors
- Interfaced with distributors to resolve problems in a timely manner
- Identified and solved issues to drive business objectives
- Regularly screened film early to evaluate potential performance
- Handled film programming and buying for independent exhibitors
- Realized cost savings through negotiated film deals and film rental with distributors
Head Film Buyer
Neighborhood Entertainment Group
03.1990 - 11.1992
- Responsible for complete oversight of Film department including management of staff, all film programming, film rental and film payables
- Collaborated with other senior management focusing on company growth and direction
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with studios and independent distributors
- Attended distributor meetings, promoting the company brand and building rapport with studio partners
- Interfaced with distributors to resolve problems in a timely manner
- Identified and solved issues to drive business objectives
- Regularly screened film early to evaluate potential performance
Film Buyer
Cineplex Odeon
11.1986 - 03.1990
Film Buyer
Neighborhood Theatre, Inc.
02.1984 - 11.1986
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration - Management
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VASkills
- Excellent relationship building and maintenance
- Effective negotiating skills
- Excellent logic and reasoning skills
- Thorough knowledge of Film industry and players
- Sound market and data analysis ability
- Strong collaboration ability
Volunteer Experience
Board Of Trustees, Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation January 2022 - Present
Board Of Directors, NATO of California/Nevada January 2020 - January 2022
Industry Recognition
ShowEast Hall Of Fame 2023
Timeline
Head of Theatrical Distribution
Roadside Attractions
02.2026 - Current
Distribution Consultant
Roadside Attractions
03.2024 - 01.2026
Distribution Consultant
GVN Releasing
03.2023 - 08.2023
President & Chief Operating Officer
Landmark Theatres
10.2019 - 01.2022
Distribution Consultant
A24 Films
06.2019 - 08.2019
Vice President Film
Regal Entertainment Group
04.2002 - 12.2018
Senior Film Buyer
Regal Cinemas, Inc.
05.1996 - 04.2002
Film Buyer
Tri-State Theatre Service
05.1994 - 05.1996
Head Film Buyer
Neighborhood Entertainment Group
03.1990 - 11.1992
Film Buyer
Cineplex Odeon
11.1986 - 03.1990
Film Buyer
Neighborhood Theatre, Inc.
02.1984 - 11.1986
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration - Management
Virginia Tech