by FilmInk Staff
Riding high on a series of box office wins and red-hot DTV titles, Rialto Distribution has enjoyed unprecedented growth over the past 12 months. Key to this success is their vibrant partnership with UK-based Vertigo Releasing, which launched Galaxy Pictures – a game-changer for the ANZ market – and their strategic alliance with Kismet Movies, enabling both to jointly acquire a curated selection of films.
In recognition of this rapid expansion, Rialto CEO, Kelly Rogers has appointed Steve Granger – a seasoned home entertainment practitioner – as Digital Director to oversee the company’s transactional digital distribution.
With an impressive 23 years of experience in the digital media arena, Granger has distinguished himself as a dynamic industry force. Most recently, as General Sales Manager at Roadshow, he orchestrated the digital sales and strategic initiatives for Roadshow Films, Warner Bros., and HBO across Australia and New Zealand. In 2020, he spearheaded ground-breaking PVOD innovations that have reshaped the landscape, setting the industry standard for theatrical releases and empowering consumers with unprecedented choice and accessibility. Steve’s career also boasts formidable sales leadership roles at Paramount Pictures and Icon Film Distribution, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the field.
“As we continue to expand our digital footprint, Steve’s appointment, will be a milestone for Rialto,” said CEO Kelly Rogers. “His proven track record in leading transformative initiatives will strengthen Rialto’s distribution capabilities and ensure that we continue to deliver exceptional content to our audiences.”
In turn, Granger said, “I’m thrilled to be joining Rialto during this exciting period of expansion. Taking ownership of digital sales will help drive further momentum and strengthen our position among the leading independent film distributors in Australia and New Zealand.”
Current theatrical hits for Rialto include Oz Perkins’ thriller LONGLEGS which is nearing 5.7 Million at the ANZ box office, making it one of the most successful genre releases of recent times. Other recent successes include IMMACULATE, starring Sydney Sweeney (1.25M GBO ANZ), the Juliette Binoche romantic drama THE TASTE OF THINGS (1.7M GBO ANZ), and the French charmer MR BLAKE AT YOUR SERVICE (810K GBO ANZ), whilst titles like John Woo’s adrenaline-charged SILENT NIGHT, the Russell Crowe cast-led LAND OF THE BAD and THE EXORCISM, FAST CHARLIE, with the ever-suave Pierce Brosnan, the heart-pounding shark thriller NO WAY UP and director Renny Harlin’s BRICKLAYER, proving hot properties with the digital market.
Rialto’s slate for the remainder of 2024 showcases an eclectic mix of genres poised to resonate with audiences including HELL BOY: THE CROOKED MAN, the latest instalment in the cult franchise, SUBSERVIENCE starring Megan Fox as a manipulative android, the sci-thriller SLINGSHOT with Casey Affleck and Lawrence Fishbourne, YOUR MONSTER, a modern-day Beauty and The Beast which won Audience Favourite at Sundance Film Festival: London 2024, the adrenaline-charged WEEKEND IN TAIPEI, produced by Luc Besson and starring Luke Evans, the gripping WW2 biopic SHAMROCK SPITFIRE, the festive dramedy CHRISTMAS EVE IN MILLER’S POINT the terrifying WEREWOVES from action-maestro Frank Grillo, GOODRICH starring Michael Keaton and Mila Kunis as a father and daughter trying to heal their strained relationship, the Irish/American comedy THE PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE pitting Paul Reiser and Colm Meaney as two warring cousins and the lyrical ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT, winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024.
About Rialto Distribution:
A powerhouse in independent media, Rialto Distribution boasts over three decades of expertise in film distribution, home entertainment, and feature film development. With a stellar repertoire of award-winning titles and a team committed to excellence, Rialto continues to redefine the boundaries of entertainment.
