WHO IS FORWARD
FORWARD ENTERTAINMENT focuses on the Co-Production, Acquisition and Sales of distinctive independent narrative and documentary feature films and television programming for a global audience. Many of the films we represent are award-winning and have been selected and screened in the world’s most prestigious film festivals.
Launched in May 2005 by Michael Thornton and Sheri Levine, Forward’s services include distribution, sales and marketing of feature films and TV programs, and assisting producers to secure financing for films and programs through co-productions and pre-sales. FORWARD also collaborates with producers to assist them in developing programs that meet broadcasters specific requirements and guidelines.
FORWARD has a consistent visible presence worldwide, and represents films for all major TV markets (MIP, MIPCOM, NATPE), and Film Festivals (AFM, CANNES, Berlin, TORONTO, Sundance/Slamdance, SilverDocs). Our marketing expertise and solid relationships in the US and internationally, allow us to maximize Producer’s revenue from all revenue streams, including theatrical, television, DVD, VOD, download and broadband sales.
PRINCIPALS OF FOWARD
Sheri Levine and Michael Thornton are seasoned professionals with substantive, executive level backgrounds in worldwide sales and marketing. With contacts acquired over nearly four decades of combined experience, they enjoy solid relationships with broadcasters and film distributors in both the US and international markets As former executives of Wellspring Media, a company that distributed and marketed a diverse independent catalogue of unique and award-winning films and television programming, Levine and Thornton have extensive knowledge of distributing independent feature films, high profile documentaries and TV series, as well as experience and expertise licensing to other ancillary markets, including DVD, VOD and broadband.
FILMS/PROGRAMS WE REPRESENT
FORWARD represents the international rights to Georgia Lee’s Tribeca Film Festival winner, RED DOORS, as well as Kelly Reichardt’s critically acclaimed film OLD JOY (winner of the Rotterdam Film Festival’s prestigious Tiger Award and an Official Selection at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, Over 50 “Top Ten lists”), and a stylish, atmospheric action thriller, LOVE, an official selection at the 2005 Venice Film and Tribeca Film Festivals.
FORWARD represents other Documentary Features and made for TV Documentaries, including Jessica’s Wu’s critically acclaimed IN THE REALMS OF THE UNREAL (2004 Oscar “short list” and 2006 Emmy Award nominee, as well as festival winner), Wild Combination: A portrait of Arthur Russell which recently was licensed to Plexifilm for a worldwide theatrical and home video release.
Other films represented worldwide by FORWARD include Hampton’s Film Festival Audience Award Winner and Independent Spirit Award Winner, SWEET LAND, directed by Ali Selim;; RIO BREAKS, a documentary feature currently in production about the world of surfing set against the backdrop of the Favela’s in Rio (Executive Producers); HACKING DEMOCRACY, a documentary feature which premiered on HBO in November 2006; LOGGERHEADS (featured at Sundance 2006); documentary feature BACK HOME (AFI), and Sundance Film Festival World Cinema selection “HOW IS YOUR FISH TODAY?,” recently licensed to PBS’ Independent Lens Series. In addition, Forward is also representing LIVING GODDESS (Silverdocs, Britdocs, IDFA) which has been licensed to Red Envelope (a division of Netflix) for DVD and Electronic Download rights after receiving extensive press coverage in print, online and on ABC World News Tonight and THEATER OF WAR, John Walker’s behind-the-scenes look at The Public Theater's production of Bertolt Brecht's "Mother Courage" that examines the playwright's life and ideas- starring Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline.
