EXCLUSIVE: Jasper Basch has rejoined Greenwich Entertainment as partner and head of distribution.
In his previous stint at the indie distributor in 2019, Basch oversaw the theatrical releases of Echo in the Canyon, Wild Nights with Emily starring Molly Shannon and Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice by Academy Award-winners Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman.
He was most recently head of distribution at Variance Films, where he handled the U.S. theatrical distribution of Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour and Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé, which collectively grossed over $200 million at the domestic box office. In 2024, Basch’s theatrical distribution slate included Oscar winners The Substance and Flow, nominees Sugarcane and nominees The Girl with the Needle, and BAFTA-nominated All We Imagine As Light, Blitz and Bird.
Concurrent with his time at Variance, Basch operated his own label, Cartilage Films (Summer Solstice, Slamdance indie award nominee Free Time).
Previously, he spent three years as head of distribution for IFC Films, where he spearheaded the company’s drive-in initiative during the 2020 theater closures from Covid. His releases there include Paul Verhoeven’s Benedetta, viral horror Skinamarink and Official Competition starring Antonio Banderas and Penélope Cruz. He expanded the international footprint of parent AMC Networks’ film group, releasing new titles theatrically in Europe, Australia and New Zealand and working on releases with partners who held worldwide rights. He expanded IFC’s international non-theatrical infrastructure for deals with airlines and cruise ships.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jasper back to Greenwich,” said co-Presidents Ed Arentz and Andy Bohn. “He has skillfully released some of the most successful independent films of the last few years and has fantastic exhibitor relationships from arthouses to major circuits. As Greenwich expands its theatrical ambitions, Jasper is the ideal colleague to lead those efforts.”
Greenwich currently has Bonjour Tristesse starring Lily McInerny, Claes Bang and Chloë Sevigny in theaters. Upcoming titles include Went Up The Hill with Vicky Krieps and Dacre Montgomery, Omaha starring John Magaro, and Michael Winterbottom’s Shoshana. The distributor recently acquired Michel Franco’s Dreams with Jessica Chastain, and Sam Riley-starring thriller Islands, both of which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival.
“I look back at my original time at Greenwich with incredible fondness,” said Basch. “While I was with Greenwich in 2019 the company grossed eight figures theatrically, and it was a great group of people to achieve this success with. I’m honored that Andy and Ed have invited me back, and I am excited to apply my learnings from my time away to help Greenwich navigate the future.”
With Basch departing, Variance recently named Andrew Carlin from Oscilloscope Laboratories and Ryan Marokowitz co-heads of theatrical distribution.