Overseeing global theatrical distribution is but one of many duties Cathleen Taff assumes at The Walt Disney Studios and its subsidiaries, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures. In fact, it’s hard to believe there are enough hours in the day for Taff to not only handle distribution, but also lead the production services group, operations, technology, and labor relations for the Studios’ theatrical and streaming content. And don’t forget about Disney’s Theatrical Group and Music Group for which Taff is also responsible.

A 29-year Disney veteran, Taff is also charged with handling the franchise management group helping maximize the studio’s intellectual property across The Walt Disney Company, as well as the multicultural engagement team focusing on diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Premium large format pioneer IMAX has had quite a year with record earnings thanks to a string of endless blockbusters including “Oppenheimer,” “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” “Lost in the Stars”, among many other titles. Managing all the releases around the world for the company is Gina Glen. Since 2001 she has been responsible for distribution of original feature film content, as well as DMR titles (IMAX’s proprietary image enhancement process) to IMAX cinemas across the world. Glen may have a bit more work to do over the next few years since the company continues to open auditoriums around the globe, signing deals with exhibitors on several continents over the past year.

To be sure, Karyn Temple does not distribute motion pictures into cinemas per se, however as the Senior Executive Vice President and Global General Counsel for the Motion Picture Association (MPA) she has been busy during 2023 making sure titles that make it into movie theatres aren’t pirated. In July over this year she helped realize a memorandum of understanding between the Korea Copyright Protection Agency (KCOPA) and the MPA to cooperate on the protection of international copyrights. Then, in the December, she testified before the United States Congress about the need for legislation that will allow for piracy websites to be blocked by internet service providers.

After spending eight years leading the U.S. Copyright Office as the Register of Copyrights and five years at the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) working on anti-piracy litigation matters, Temple has become a leading expert on the subject.

In charge of licensing all of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group’s films for international territories, Wendy Reeds is a 30-year veteran of international theatrical distribution. Reeds ran Lionsgate’s Asian sales and operations out of Hong Kong for several years, and was instrumental in building Lionsgate’s operations in China. During Reeds’ tenure, Lionsgate has been a partner in a number of content agreements with digital and traditional distribution partners throughout China.

Monique Esclavissat has been with Warner Bros. Pictures since 1998 and currently supervises the studio’s distribution activities in Europe, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. In 2023 that meant making certain “Barbie” was a hit across multiple regions, not to mention conflicting cultures. (Spoiler Alert: “Barbie” was a blockbuster.) Fluent in four languages, Esclavissat also manages the studio’s local language productions. She began her career as Vice President, International Sales & Distribution, for Castle Rock International.

A subsidiary of Toho, Toho-Towa is Japan’s oldest motion picture importer and distributor, handling titles for both Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios. Toshi Yamasaki, the company’s CEO, was instrumental in creating those relationships and continues to manage TOHO-TAWA’s international business, acquisitions and distribution throughout Japan. That meant raking in upwards of 20% of the country’s billion-dollar-plus box office in 2023, making “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” its top earner for the year. Keep in mind, this was done without help from “Oppenheimer” which hasn’t yet been released in Japan (though it will be in 2024). Fluent in Japanese, English and French she was the first woman president in the entire TOHO group.

Whether a Sundance award winner or Cannes favorite, Lisa Bunnell has earned a legendary reputation for turning specialty titles into theatrical hits. As President of Distribution at Focus Features she ensured the success of Wes Anderson’s latest, “Asteroid City” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3,” lest we forget “The Holdovers” and “Book Club: The Next Chapter.” What may make Bunnell so successful is being able to draw from her experience in both distribution and exhibition, having previously spent 17 years at Loews Cineplex before heading to Landmark Theatres as their head film buyer.

In her current role of Executive Director, EMEA at Warner Bros. Entertainment Finola Mcloughlin’s key focus is overseeing the theatrical distribution of all the studio’s releases across Central and Eastern European Countries (CEE), Baltics, Balkans, former Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Africa, Portugal, Greece and Israel. Her responsibilities also involve pan regional initiatives where Mcloughlin can draw on her years of experience working primarily with Western European markets from when she first joined Warner Bros. over 17 years ago. Mcloughlin started her career working in Anti-Piracy operations at the Motion Picture Association (MPA) in Brussels, Belgium.

Jody Pope oversees theatrical distribution for Universal Pictures International (UPI) in over 20 countries within EMEA, a region that delivered USD $1.547 billion in box office for the studio in 2023, releasing 24 titles that included “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “Fast X” and “Oppenheimer” among others. Pope started her career in film distribution in 2002, heading up Theatrical Sales for Soda Pictures and Revolver Entertainment in the United Kingdom before moving to Universal Pictures UK. An Exhibition role followed as Head of Film at Everyman Cinemas before she returned to Universal Pictures International in 2015 as Director Distribution, EMEA.

When A24 set about finding an executive to take charge of its film and television distribution and business development in international territories, it took the unusual approach of hiring someone from the world if investment banking and finance. Sasha Lloyd began her career at Goldman Sachs working on accounts that included Lionsgate and other distributors among them. She then spent four years at the boutique investment bank GHL & Company, helping with entertainment and media company deals, including the USD $750 million refinancing of Summit Entertainment. A24 brought her on board at the beginning of 2016 to build an international division. In 2023 the UK native went from struggling to stay awake as a child to watch the Academy Awards ceremony to being at the Oscars to see the A24’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once” win the top six awards, something never achieved by a single studio in the events 95-year history.

As the Director of French and International Cinema Distribution at Gaumont, Ariane Toscan du Plantier helped bring at least eight titles to cinemas in 2023 including “A Difficult Year,” “Father & Solder,” “Un Homme Heureux” and the Cannes selection, “The Taste of Things.” With a staff of three dozen, Toscan du Plantier manages Gaumont’s distribution both in France and internationally. She has been with the company for 28 years.

Ann-Elizabeth Crotty has been working in exhibitor relations in one form or another since 1997. After joining Sony Pictures in 2005 she has since become EVP, Global Customer Experience, Marketing, Sales & Operations Specialist. Crotty is known throughout the film industry as someone who can “get things done” with a positive attitude, no matter how challenging the film. In 2023, she worked on over a dozen releases including “No Hard Feelings,” “The Equalizer 3” and, of course, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”

Christine Eloy has been representing the interests of independent European distributors for over 10 years now as Managing Director of Europa Distribution. The association counts 120 leading independent distributors as members throughout 31 countries in Europe and beyond. Eloy heads up Europa’s operations which include acting as both a network for the distribution of independent films, as well as a think tank for sharing information and training industry professionals.

If you work in exhibition or distribution in North America, if not the world, then you know Patricia Gonzalez. Period. As Executive Vice President, In-Theatre Marketing for Paramount Pictures, Gonzalez is responsible for the development of film marketing campaign strategies for domestic theatrical releases. In 2023 alone she helped create film marketing campaigns for “80 for Brady,” “Scream VI,” “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Her responsibilities encompass the negotiation of key marketing activations including on-screen trailer programming, placement of digital and print advertising, specialty theatrical exhibits, on-screen custom content, development of exhibitor-specific online and social media strategies, creating movie fan events and collaborating on studio life-cycle marketing initiatives. Prior to joining Paramount in 2006, Gonzalez served as Head of In-Theatre Marketing Services for DreamWorks SKG for more than a decade. In June of 2023, Gonzalez was accepted as a member into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Pia Grünler has been working in film distribution in Sweden for over 25 years. In 2023 she was promoted to Nordic Head of Theatrical Distribution at SF Studios. Previously, Grünler had been managing the company’s theatrical distribution for seven years. In her new role she will take on the full responsibility for the theatrical business and team in the Nordics. This means Grünler will be handling SF Studios’ own productions as well as local language titles from independent producers alongside releases from Hollywood studios such as Sony Pictures and MGM.

Liza Pano is Senior Vice President, Worldwide Distribution Services at Paramount Pictures, where she is responsible for overseeing global localization and distribution for theatrical and non-theatrical releases. She joined Paramount when the studio acquired DreamWorks, where she was serving as Vice President, Worldwide Technical Services, supervising the international delivery of all the company’s titles. Pano previously worked at 20th Century Fox in post-production and at Dolby as Manager for Theatrical Marketing and Promotions.

Whenever anyone asks whether Susanna Barbato works in exhibition or distribution at NOS Lusomundo Audiovisuais, the answer is always “yes.” That’s because, as an Executive Board member for the company, Barbato works in both areas. She oversees the strategic development of film acquisition and distribution from both independent producers and major studios for multiple platforms including cinema, home entertainment and television. NOS is the leading content provider in Portugal as well as Portuguese speaking territories. NOS also operates the leading cinema chain in Portugal, with over 210 screens, where Barbato helps manage programming.

Indie darling A24 has been known to use partners outside of North America to distribute titles such as the award-winning “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” More and more however, the company is releasing its movies internationally. In fact, Anna Chettle now oversees A24’s international sales arm and distribution operations across international territories. After spending five years at Hanway Films in London, Chettle moved to New York to join the company’s international team, helping Sasha Lloyd build an international sales and distribution division for A24.

In her first full year at Wild Bunch as Head of Film, Cécile Gaget distributed Japanese hits such as “The First Slam Dunk” and Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” in France. Of course, Wild Bunch also released numerous local language titles including “L’événement” and “Sentimental.” Gaget oversees French acquisitions, distribution and local production for the company. She previously spent two years at Anton as President of International Production and Distribution and a decade at Gaumont.

As CEO of StudioCanal’s operations in Australian and New Zealand, Elizabeth Trotman manages theatrical film and television distribution, acquisitions, development, and production among many other responsibilities. She has had stints at Warner Bros., spent 10 years at the HOYTS Group and for the past 12 years has been with StudioCanal, overseeing the theatrical release of roughly 20 films per year in the region. During her tenure at StudioCanal, Trotman has handled the distribution of over 250 films.

Based in Belgium, Anny Schmit is Managing Director at Sony Pictures, a role she has held for over three years. Early in her career Schmit spent three years as the Marketing Manager for Warner Bros. Belgium where she ultimately became Managing Director between 2000-2008. Starting in 2013, she headed up film distribution and home entertainment as the General Manager Distribution Benelux at Belga Films for five years. Her roles have also led her to develop solid experience in marketing and communications, especially during her four years as Managing Director of media agency, Carat.

Montse Gil is a senior entertainment executive with more than 25 years in the movie business. She has been a part of distributing over 500 movies in Spain – first, at 20th Century Fox where she headed up the marketing department since 1995 and now as the Vice President and Managing Director of Paramount Pictures, a position she has held since 2010. Gil was voted one of the 100 most influential women in Spain and is the only woman running a multinational film distribution company in Spain. She has collaborated with UNIC’s Women Leadership Program, where she participated as a mentor. Gil is a graduate in Media Communications, holds a PhD in Marketing and Research and a Master’s in Business Administration. She is a regular lecturer at various Master’s programs at several universities.

If ever there was a year that Angel Studios made a name for themselves, it would be 2023, when its release “Sound of Freedom” became the surprise hit of the summer earning over USD $180 million domestically before launching in territories around the globe. Liz Ellis is the Chief Operating Officer at Angel Studios, where she has undertaken transformative initiatives that have increased productivity within the company by aligning talents with suitable projects and roles. She is an esteemed Professional Certified Coach (ICF) and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and she implemented solutions-based coaching at Angel Studios.

Cineplex, an independent distributor based in Colombia, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023. The company releases independent arthouse films in 20 countries, mostly in Latin America. Elba McAllister, the company’s CEO and founder, has shepherded over 500 movies into cinemas including “The Delinquents” from Argentina and “Fallen Leaves” from Finland this year. On average, Cineplex releases 25 films per year. While she has handled the distribution of releases from directors such as Ang Lee, Ken Loach, Wong Kar Wai, and Lars von Trier over the years, McAllister may be best known for introducing Colombian titles to the wider world.

Eve Gabereau is CEO and founder of Modern Films, a London-based film production and distribution agency. Known for championing diverse stories and world cinema, Modern has grown since launching in 2017 to represent over 100 films, including such acclaimed titles as the history-making Oscar and BAFTA winner “Drive My Car” from director Ryusuke Hamaguchi. Gabereau has built a reputation for her great cinematic taste, having previously co-founded the indie distribution company Soda Pictures where, for 15 years, she handled over 350 noteworthy films such as “Toni Erdmann,” Jim Jarmusch’s “Paterson” and multiple works by filmmaker Kelly Reichardt. She is an Inside Pictures alumnus, a member of the British Screen Forum, Film Distributors Association and Europa Distribution and on the boards of ACE Producers, Film London and the British Independent Film Awards.

Alice Panada started working with Notorious Pictures in 2017 as the company’s Theatrical Marketing Director before becoming Head of Theatrical Distribution in 2022. Notorious Pictures distributes local productions and studio releases in Italy and Spain and during 2023 handled titles such as “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” and “Jeanne du Barry” for those territories. Panada is responsible for the company’s distribution strategy, release planning, budget management, market analysis and even exhibitor relations. She is active in helping Notorious in acquiring new films for theatrical distribution and streaming platforms. Panada began her working in theatrical marketing for The Walt Disney Company.