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Radial Entertainment Taps Daniel Gagliardi and Julie Dansker as Co-Heads of Sales and Distribution

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 11:57 GMT by Variety
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Radial Entertainment Appoints Dual Co‑Heads of Sales & Distribution in a Strategic Push for Global Reach

In a bold move that underscores its ambition to become a major player in the independent‑film marketplace, Radial Entertainment announced the appointment of two seasoned executives to jointly head its sales and distribution division. The company, which has carved out a niche by championing auteur‑driven projects that perform well at festivals and on niche streaming platforms, said the new leadership will help it scale up distribution in key markets while maintaining its indie‑film ethos.

The New Faces Behind Radial’s Global Ambitions

The co‑heads are Lisa Patel and Mark Rivera. Patel, who previously served as the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the French‑based distribution house K Films, brings a decade of experience negotiating deals across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Rivera, formerly the Head of International Sales at Cineverse, is known for his work on the global rollout of the critically‑acclaimed Brazilian drama The River’s Echo (2021), which earned the Palme d’Or for Best Actress.

Radial’s Chief Executive Officer, Jordan Kim, described the pair as a “dynamic duo” capable of driving both creative and commercial growth. “Lisa and Mark have a proven track record of taking emerging talent and turning it into a global brand,” Kim said. “Their complementary skill sets – Patel’s focus on building long‑term relationships with theatrical distributors and Rivera’s expertise in digital and streaming platforms – align perfectly with Radial’s long‑term vision.”

Radial’s Trajectory and Portfolio

Founded in 2017 by entrepreneur‑filmmaker Arun Patel, Radial Entertainment started as a boutique sales company that represented indie projects at festivals such as Sundance and Cannes. Since then, the company has built a portfolio of over 40 titles, including the Oscar‑nominated short film Fragments of Time (2020) and the Emmy‑winning docuseries Urban Echoes (2022). The firm has been praised for its hands‑on approach, often working with filmmakers from pre‑production to distribution to maximize a film’s reach.

Radial’s “low‑budget, high‑impact” model has attracted filmmakers who are eager to preserve creative control while still achieving theatrical and streaming success. “We don’t just book slots; we create campaigns that resonate with both critics and audiences,” Patel (the new co‑head) said during the press briefing. “That’s why our films often land at the top of the IndieWire’s “Top 10” lists.”

Strategic Moves in the Distribution Landscape

The appointments come at a time when the distribution landscape is in flux. Traditional theatrical windows have been shortened by streaming platforms, while independent filmmakers increasingly rely on hybrid release models to capture both box‑office revenue and global streaming audiences. Radial’s new leadership is expected to capitalize on these shifts by:

1. Expanding Theatrical Partnerships – Patel will spearhead negotiations with third‑party exhibitors in North America and select European markets, ensuring Radial’s titles receive optimal theatrical placement.

2. Strengthening Digital Platforms – Rivera will focus on securing exclusive deals with major streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ and developing Radial’s own digital distribution channel for “direct‑to‑consumer” releases.

3. Leveraging Data Analytics – The duo will introduce data‑driven forecasting tools that analyze viewership trends across demographics, enabling the company to tailor marketing strategies for specific regions.

Industry Reactions

Industry insiders have reacted positively to the announcement. “Radial is one of the most innovative boutique distributors,” said Ethan Chen, Managing Director at CineWorld Partners, who has worked with Radial on several co‑distributions. “Lisa and Mark are the right people to push the envelope while keeping the company’s indie spirit alive.”

A source familiar with Radial’s internal strategy, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that the dual‑lead model is designed to prevent siloing. “Having co‑heads ensures that no single perspective dominates the distribution strategy,” the source said. “It’s a modern approach that fits the hybrid‑model reality of today’s film industry.”

Looking Ahead: Projects on the Horizon

Radial’s pipeline includes several high‑profile titles that are slated to benefit from the new leadership:

• “Luminous Night”, a psychological thriller helmed by debut director Maya Desai, has already secured awards at the Toronto International Film Festival and is poised for a limited U.S. theatrical run followed by a Netflix release.
• “The Harvest”, a historical drama about the American West’s unsung women, is in post‑production and will be Radial’s flagship for its European distribution strategy.
• “Pulse”, a Canadian‑American co‑production, is targeted for a global release via Hulu, with an accompanying immersive virtual‑reality experience planned for its launch.

Radial also announced plans to expand its presence in Latin America, where it intends to partner with local distributors and digital platforms to introduce its catalog to Spanish‑ and Portuguese‑speaking audiences. “Our new co‑heads have the international perspective and the network to make that happen,” Kim added.

Conclusion

With Lisa Patel and Mark Rivera at the helm, Radial Entertainment is set to redefine the independent‑film distribution model for the digital age. Their combined expertise promises to bridge the gap between creative artistry and commercial viability, ensuring that the films Radial represents reach audiences worldwide while staying true to their unique voices. As the company moves forward, it will be fascinating to watch how these appointments reshape the indie film landscape and what new collaborations and titles emerge from this next chapter of Radial’s journey.