EXCLUSIVE: New York-based distribution company 1-2 Special has named Jonathan DeMaio as VP Distribution. DeMaio will lead all aspects of theatrical sales and distribution at the Jason Hellerstein-founded film company.
DeMaio previously worked for 11 years at Sony Pictures Classics, where he last served as Director, Sales, and played a key role in the domestic distribution of more than 100 films including Oscar winners Whiplash, Still Alice, The Son of Saul, Call Me By Your Name, A Fantastic Woman, The Father and I’m Still Here.
Also joining the 1-2 Special team is Catherine Cowin as Director of Distribution Operations and Strategy. She previously worked at Metrograph Pictures and Bleecker Street, and will now manage operations across post-production, delivery and marketing for the film’s slate.
1-2 Special’s first theatrical release, Urchin, directed by Harris Dickinson, recently opened in Los Angeles and New York, where it had the best opening weekend for a narrative film at the IFC Center this year. Its upcoming releases include Radu Jude’s Dracula, in theaters October 29, and his Berlinale Silver Bear-winning Kontinental ‘25; Simón Mesa Soto’s Un Certain Regard Jury Prize- winner A Poet, which was selected as the Colombian Oscar entry; Christian Petzold’s Cannes-premiering Miroirs No. 3; Pete Ohs’ Erupcja, starring Charli xcx; Ildikó Enyedi’s Venice prize-winner Silent Friend, starring Tony Leung and Léa Seydoux; and Mark Jenkin’s fall festival standout Rose of Nevada with George MacKay and Callum Turner.
Former Sideshow executive Hellerstein opened the doors to 1-2 Special in February. The company quickly expanded with the hiring of Amanda Trokan as SVP Acquisitions and Nico Chapin as VP Publicity.