EXCLUSIVE: Indie film vet Justin DiPietro has been named EVP of MPI Media Group and Dark Sky Films and will oversee the relaunch of the distribution labels with an aim on expanding the company’s global footprint and identifying larger scale projects and releases.
DiPietro will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s distribution operations and marketing efforts, including marketing and business development.
Previously, DiPietro led marketing, publicity and distribution efforts at Oscar-winning distributor Cohen Media Group after serving as Director of Sales and Distribution at Netflix. DiPietro managed and helped develop theatrical and Academy campaigns for several award-nominated titles, including 2023’s Best Foreign Film Academy Award nominee IO Capitano and two 2020 Best Picture Oscar nominees, Mank and The Trial of the Chicago 7. Prior to Netflix, DiPietro was the Head of Distribution at IFC Films, where he oversaw theatrical and non-theatrical releasing and worked on award-winning films such as Boyhood, Frances Ha, The Trip series, Let the Sun Shine In, and Wildlife as well as genre pics The Babadook and Lars Von Trier’s The House That Jack Built.
DiPietro’s newly formed team will consist of several seasoned industry professionals:
Audrey Delaney has been brought on as Head of Marketing, having served as a high-level senior executive for several distribution companies, including Blue Fox Entertainment, Myriad Pictures, Lightning Entertainment, and others. Delaney has overseen the releases of The Wolf & the Lion; Eleanor Coppola’s Love is Love is Love; Eiffel, the epic biopic starring Romain Duris and Emma Mackey and Monster directed by Patty Jenkins, for which Charlize Theron won an Academy Award.
Michael DiSalvo joins as Marketing Content Strategist and will lead the Company’s ongoing social media efforts. DiSalvo was most recently a Senior Producer at Warner Bros Discovery, where he created digital content for MAX, Discovery+, TLC, and TRVL in addition to launching TLC’s first podcast.
William Gruenberg will lead Theatrical Distribution. As a veteran distribution consultant, Gruenberg launched Seismic Releasing in 2022 and oversees theatrical sales and operations for films of all sizes. Gruenberg has led theatrical distribution for Blue Fox Entertainment, Strand Releasing, Metrograph Pictures, Global Road Entertainment, Broad Green Pictures, Millennium Entertainment, The Film Arcade, Our Alchemy and First Look Studios.
Greg Newman, MPI Media Group’s and Dark Sky’s long-time production and acquisitions executive, will continue to oversee acquisitions and productions for MPI and Dark Sky. Newman launched MPI’s elevated genre brand Dark Sky Films in 2008.
MPI Media Group was founded in 1976 by Malik and Waleed Ali. The entertainment company is best known for classic releases such as Texas Chain Saw Massacre and has released such feature works as Ti West’s The House of the Devil and The Innkeepers, and Jim Mickle’s Stake Land. Recently taking over the reins for their late uncle Waleed and father Malik are sons Badie and Hamza Ali. MPI and Dark Sky’s original productions and releases include Girl on the Third Floor, We Are Still Here, Emelie, Catfight, 1BR and many others.
DiPietro said, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to grow a company so deeply rooted in and committed to the independent film industry. MPI Media Group’s impressive history is inspiring, and its proven track record speaks volumes. I am fully determined to elevate the Company to new heights.”
Badie Ali said, “We’re thrilled to start the next chapter of our company’s journey, bringing in these exceptional additions to our already talented team. With Justin leading the way, we believe he’ll drive growth in this exciting venture and make us an even stronger partner in releasing high level content.”
Hamza Ali added, “It became immediately clear to us that Justin DiPietro has built a flawless reputation in the industry and is a highly respected executive. Justin’s extensive experience in guiding numerous outstanding films to theaters and beyond is incredibly valuable to our father’s and uncle’s vision and ultimate goal.”