Buyer Database · Specialty Distributor · Updated
Vertical
Vertical is a boutique U.S. distributor specializing in star-driven independent genre films, commercial dramas, and romantic comedies with strong theatrical and digital crossover potential.
Current mandate
Vertical has established itself as one of the more consistent boutique distributors operating in the U.S. independent space, acquiring rights to star-driven features across genre, drama, and comedy. Its recent pickup of Jess Varley's sci-fi thriller "The Astronaut," which had its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, is a representative move: a claustrophobic, high-concept genre film anchored by Kate Mara and Laurence Fishburne, positioned for U.S. theatrical and digital release. Partner Peter Jarowey publicly characterized the film as a "claustrophobic, otherworldly sci-fi thriller," underscoring how Vertical frames its acquisitions for the marketplace.
Across the past 12 months, Vertical's acquisition record reflects a broad but commercially oriented mandate. Recent titles include the crime comedy "The Gallerist," co-acquired alongside Roadside Attractions; the supernatural thriller "The Whistler"; and additional titles including "Atropia," "Breed of Greed," "Stone Cold Fox," and "The Cure." Budget terms on these deals have not been publicly disclosed. The company has demonstrated ongoing producer relationships, notably with Brad Fuller, whose "Elevation" starring Anthony Mackie Vertical previously released, and with producers Eric B. Fleischman and Chris Abernathy, whose road trip comedy "Sacramento" is among their more recent collaborations. Producer Fuller described "The Astronaut" as "something truly unique" from "an exciting new team," suggesting Vertical is open to emerging filmmakers when the genre and cast profile align.
Material reaches Vertical primarily through established producer relationships and festival acquisition pipelines. The SXSW pickup of "The Astronaut" and the pattern of repeat producer partnerships with Fuller, Fleischman, and Abernathy indicate that festival premieres and trusted intermediaries are the most documented routes into the company's acquisition process. No unsolicited pathway is documented in tracked deal activity.
Signature peaks
- SXSW 2025 Festival-to-Deal Pipeline — "The Astronaut" world-premiered at SXSW before Vertical acquired U.S. rights for fall release.
- 3 Producers Repeat Producer Relationships — Brad Fuller, Eric B. Fleischman, and Chris Abernathy each have multiple titles in Vertical's release history.
- "The Gallerist" Co-Acquisition Activity — Vertical co-acquired U.S. rights to the crime comedy alongside Roadside Attractions in August 2026.
Mandate dimensions
- Genre focus
- Not disclosed
- Territory focus
- Not disclosed
- Budget tier (observed)
- Not disclosed
- Access pattern
- Every tracked Vertical acquisition traces to a festival premiere, a returning producer relationship, or a sales agent intermediary. The SXSW world premiere of "The Astronaut" and the repeat collaborations with producers Brad Fuller, Eric B. Fleischman, and Chris Abernathy are the most clearly documented routes; no unsolicited pathway is documented in available deal data.
- Deal structure
- Vertical acquires U.S. distribution rights to completed independent features for theatrical and digital release, and has also co-acquired rights alongside other distributors, as seen in the joint pickup of "The Gallerist" with Roadside Attractions. Deal financial terms on recent acquisitions have not been publicly disclosed.
Recent acquisitions
-
Atropia
-
Breed of Greed
-
Stone Cold Fox
-
The Cure
-
The Gallerist
Vertical co-acquired US rights to 'The Gallerist' alongside Roadside Attractions.
-
The Whistler
Market context
Vertical's acquisition of the Kate Mara and Laurence Fishburne sci-fi thriller "The Astronaut" out of SXSW signals a sharpened focus on high-tension genre titles anchored by recognizable cast.
Vertical has established itself as one of the more consistent boutique distributors operating in the U.S. independent space, acquiring rights to star-driven features across genre, drama, and comedy. Its recent pickup of Jess Varley's sci-fi thriller "The Astronaut," which had its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, is a representative move: a claustrophobic, high-concept genre film anchored by Kate Mara and Laurence Fishburne, positioned for U.S. theatrical and digital release. Partner Peter Jarowey publicly characterized the film as a "claustrophobic, otherworldly sci-fi thriller," underscoring how Vertical frames its acquisitions for the marketplace.
Common questions about Vertical
Does Vertical Entertainment accept unsolicited scripts or film submissions?
No unsolicited pathway is documented in ScriptMatch's tracked deal activity for Vertical. Every acquisition on record traces to a festival premiere, an established producer relationship, or a sales agent intermediary. The most reliable documented routes are through producers who already have a working history with the company, such as Brad Fuller or Eric B. Fleischman, or through a festival premiere that puts a finished film in front of their acquisitions team.
What budget range does Vertical Entertainment typically acquire?
Budget terms on Vertical's recent acquisitions, including "The Astronaut," "The Gallerist," "Stone Cold Fox," and others, have not been publicly disclosed. The company's public mandate emphasizes star-driven independent films, and its catalog includes titles with recognizable cast such as Kate Mara, Laurence Fishburne, and Anthony Mackie, suggesting a commercial independent budget tier rather than micro-budget or studio-scale productions.
What film festivals does Vertical Entertainment source acquisitions from?
SXSW is the most recently documented festival source: Vertical acquired Jess Varley's sci-fi thriller "The Astronaut" following its world premiere there in 2025. The broader acquisition pattern across tracked titles suggests Vertical monitors the major North American and international festival circuit for genre features and commercial dramas with cast attachments that fit its theatrical and digital distribution model.
How do I get my film or script in front of Vertical Entertainment?
The most documented access routes are festival premieres and established producer relationships. Vertical's pickup of "The Astronaut" came out of SXSW, and the company has repeatedly acquired titles from producers Brad Fuller, Eric B. Fleischman, and Chris Abernathy. A sales agent or producer with an existing Vertical relationship represents the most trackable pathway. No open submission portal or unsolicited intake program is documented in available data.
What genres is Vertical Entertainment currently acquiring?
Vertical's public mandate covers star-driven independent films across romantic comedies, commercial dramas, and genre content. Recent acquisitions reflect that range: "The Astronaut" is a sci-fi thriller, "The Gallerist" is a crime comedy, and "The Whistler" is a supernatural thriller. The company's stated preference is for projects with A-list or breakout cast that carry both theatrical and digital distribution potential in the U.S. market.
Is Vertical Entertainment currently active in the acquisitions market?
Yes. ScriptMatch's pipeline shows 68 total records over the past 12 months and multiple acquisitions logged through late 2025 and into 2026, including "The Gallerist" in August 2026 and "The Cure" in November 2025. The latest tracked signal dates to September 2026. Vertical also co-acquired "The Gallerist" alongside Roadside Attractions, indicating active engagement with both solo and collaborative deal structures.
Adjacent buyers in this lane
- All3Media International — All3Media International is a UK-based boutique distributor with a broad genre library, actively mone
- Gkids — GKIDS is North America's premier boutique distributor of animated and art-house cinema, best known f
- Ketchup Entertainment — Ketchup Entertainment is a U.S. boutique distributor making an aggressive push into wide theatrical
- Independent Film Company — Independent Film Company is a boutique US distributor specializing in bold, character-driven indepen
Related reading
Match your script to Vertical
This is a public snapshot of Vertical, kept current from trade-press signals. Inside ScriptMatch, upload your script to see whether Vertical fits, why, and exactly how to reach them. Start a card-required 7-day trial or try the no-card buyer-match tool.