Byron Allen Acquires Film Company Freestyle Releasing

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

Producer/comedian Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios Thursday acquired independent film distribution company Freestyle Releasing.

Freestyle, which is behind such faith-based films as God’s Not Dead and Woodlawn, was co-founded by Mark Borde and the late Susan Jackson. The studio, which has an output deal with Netflix, is expected to distribute 15 to 20 films per year, according to Entertainment Studios.

“Mark Borde and Susan Jackson have done a phenomenal job creating and building Freestyle, and we are 110 percent committed to enhancing their excellent legacy,” said Byron Allen, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Entertainment Studios. “Freestyle has a great management team, and with their unique output deal with Netflix, the company is very valuable and well-positioned to grab greater theatrical box office market share, and we will maximize this opportunity.”

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.