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EXCLUSIVE:f David Laub, a longtime distribution executive at A24, is joining Metrograph to build a new slate of theatrical releases as head of Metrograph Pictures, a label that’s been focused mainly on restorations of classic films.
Laub will consider American independent, international and documentary features, both finished films and earlier stage projects to potentially provide financing. The company is aiming to get to 10 releases a year.
“We are excited to work with a wide range of films and filmmakers, and be a robust new presence in the distribution landscape,” said Laub, who will hit the ground for Metrograph at the upcoming Berlinale and European Film Market next week.
It’s not an easy time for indie film distribution. Metrograph in is announcement said the industry “in dire need of fresh thinking and inventive distribution options.”
Laub will report to and work closely with Metrograph CEO Christian Grass, who joined the film company and landmark movie theater in 2018 to grow the brand. He called Laub’s “passion for film and filmmaker relationships are as impressive as his knowledge of all aspects of the business. We are really excited to work with him on building this into a significant distribution label.”
The Metrograph Lower East Side two-screen arthouse saw record box office numbers in 2023, and into Jan. 2024, under programmer Inge de Leeuw. The company also operates SVOD service, Metrograph At Home.
At A24, Laub worked in all aspects of film distribution including acquisitions, marketing, publicity, and exhibition. Projects he oversaw include Aftersun, Close, Joanna Hogg’s The Souvenir and The Souvenir: Part II, Kelly Reichardt’s Showing Up and First Cow, Paul Schrader’s First Reformed, and the hit restoration of Jonathan Demme’s Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense.
He also worked across the wider A24 slate on campaigns for Everything Everywhere All At Once, Ari Aster’s Hereditary and Midsommar, Josh and Benny Safdie’s Uncut Gems and Good Time, Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird, Sean Baker’s The Florida Project and Red Rocket, Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight, and Robert Eggers’ The Witch and The Lighthouse.
Prior to A24, Laub spent three years as co-president of Oscilloscope Laboratories, including two as acquisitions head where he worked Banksy’s Exit Through The Gift Shop, Oren Moverman’s The Messenger, Kelly Reichardt’s Wendy and Lucy and Meek’s Cutoff, and Lynn Ramsay’s We Need To Talk About Kevin.
Previously, he was at ThinkFilm.
Metrograph founder Alexander Olch called it “a dream come true to work with David, whom we have long admired for his taste and achievements, as we build a new special library of great cinema. We look forward to forging long term relationships with new and established filmmakers, putting the strength of the Metrograph brand, community, and theater behind our releases.”
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