Buyer Database · Specialty Distributor · Updated
Vertical
Vertical is a North America-focused boutique distributor actively acquiring genre features and socially conscious dramas from the festival circuit, with a demonstrated appetite for name-cast titles and emerging filmmakers.
Current mandate
Vertical is currently positioned as a U.S. rights acquirer for genre features and character-driven dramas with recognizable talent. The company's most recently reported acquisition is Jess Varley's sci-fi thriller The Astronaut, starring Kate Mara and Laurence Fishburne, which had its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival and is slated for release later this fall. The deal signals continued interest in festival-launched genre titles with name casts, alongside a stated openness to emerging filmmakers, as reflected in producer Brad Fuller's description of the project as coming from "an exciting new team."
Over the past 12 months, Vertical has logged 69 tracked records, with recent acquisitions spanning a range of genres and tones. Titles including Atropia, Breed of Greed, Stone Cold Fox, and The Cure were acquired across the fall 2025 window, pointing to a sustained acquisition cadence through the back half of the year. The company has also maintained ongoing producer relationships, most notably with Brad Fuller (Elevation, starring Anthony Mackie) and producers Eric B. Fleischman and Chris Abernathy, whose road trip comedy Sacramento is among their most recently released collaborations. True stories, real-world social issues, and intimate character-driven dramas with mass appeal potential remain consistent content pillars alongside genre.
Filmmakers and producers seeking U.S. distribution should note that Vertical's deal flow is heavily festival-oriented. SXSW has served as a confirmed acquisition point. The company tracks 70 decision makers according to available data, and the primary documented access pathway runs through established producer relationships and festival premieres. Direct unsolicited outreach is not confirmed as a standard intake channel.
Signature peaks
- SXSW 2025 Festival Entry Point — World premiere of The Astronaut; confirmed acquisition trigger
- 2+ ongoing Repeat Producer Relationships — Brad Fuller (Elevation) and Fleischman/Abernathy (Sacramento) among documented repeat collaborators
- 70 Decision Makers Tracked — Broad internal network monitored across acquisition and distribution functions
Mandate dimensions
- Genre focus
- drama
- Territory focus
- North America
- Budget tier (observed)
- Not disclosed
- Access pattern
- Festival premiere (SXSW confirmed); established producer relationships (Brad Fuller; Fleischman/Abernathy); representation or sales agent with prior Vertical contact recommended for new entrants.
- Deal structure
- U.S. rights acquisitions; all-rights domestic deals consistent with boutique specialty distributor practice; budgets and deal terms not publicly disclosed across recent slate.
Recent acquisitions
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Atropia
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Bad Genius
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Breed of Greed
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Stone Cold Fox
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The Cure
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The Pod Generation
Market context
"A claustrophobic, otherworldly sci-fi thriller anchored by performances from Kate Mara and Laurence Fishburne." — Peter Jarowey, Vertical partner, on The Astronaut
Acquiring socially conscious true-story dramas with recognizable talent (Zach Braff) from festival circuit — consistent with specialty distributor strategy for issue-driven films
Common questions about Vertical
Does Vertical Entertainment accept unsolicited scripts or film submissions?
No confirmed open submission policy is documented for Vertical. Available intelligence indicates the company's acquisition pipeline is driven primarily by festival premieres and established producer relationships. Filmmakers without an existing industry connection are best advised to secure representation or attach a producer with a prior Vertical relationship before approaching the company. Cold outreach is not confirmed as a standard intake channel.
What budgets does Vertical Entertainment typically acquire?
Budget figures are not disclosed across Vertical's recent acquisition slate, including titles such as Atropia, Stone Cold Fox, Breed of Greed, and The Cure. However, the company's positioning as a boutique specialty distributor, combined with its focus on festival-circuit titles and name-cast genre features, is consistent with mid-range independent film budgets. No specific acquisition price indicators are available in current reporting.
Which film festivals does Vertical Entertainment source acquisitions from?
SXSW is a confirmed acquisition point for Vertical, most recently with the 2025 world premiere of The Astronaut. The company's broader festival strategy is consistent with specialty distributor practice, targeting issue-driven and genre films with recognizable talent from the festival circuit. Other specific festival sources for recent acquisitions such as Atropia or The Cure are not confirmed in available reporting.
How do you get in touch with Vertical Entertainment about a distribution deal?
The most documented pathway to Vertical is through established producer relationships. The company has repeatedly transacted with producers Brad Fuller and the team of Eric B. Fleischman and Chris Abernathy. Peter Jarowey is identified as a Vertical partner and a named decision maker in recent deal coverage. Approaching through a producer or sales agent with an existing Vertical relationship is the most grounded strategy based on available intelligence.
What genres and content is Vertical Entertainment acquiring right now?
Vertical's current mandate spans genre features with name casts, particularly sci-fi and thriller, as evidenced by The Astronaut acquisition, alongside true stories, real-world social issue narratives, and intimate character-driven dramas with mass appeal potential. Recent acquisitions also include a road trip comedy (Sacramento) and titles such as Stone Cold Fox and Breed of Greed, suggesting the company is not genre-exclusive and will move on compelling material across categories.
Is Vertical Entertainment actively acquiring films right now?
Yes, according to available data. Vertical logged 69 tracked records over the past 12 months, with multiple acquisitions confirmed across the fall 2025 window, including Atropia (October 2025), Stone Cold Fox (September 2025), Breed of Greed (September 2025), and The Cure (November 2025). The latest tracked signal is dated June 2026, indicating continued market activity. Deal velocity metrics suggest ongoing, if measured, acquisition activity.
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