Sideshow Vet Jason Hellerstein Launches New Distribution Label 1-2 Special

deadline.com:

EXCLUSIVE: Jason Hellerstein, a co-founding executive of the distributor Sideshow is opening the doors to 1-2 Special, a new North American film distribution company focused on acquiring and releasing features from domestic and international festivals.1-2 Special will begin acquiring films at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival and will release up to ten films annually.

The company is based in New York. Hellerstein will serve as CEO of 1-2 Special and will announce additional hires this spring.“1-2 Specialis committed to championing visionary filmmakers and bringing their work to passionate audiences across North America,” said Hellerstein. “We’re eager to meet the growing demand for bold, boundary-pushing cinema and to perfect a model that prioritizes both critical acclaim and commercial success.” Hellerstein and his team will select and shepherd films through strategic theatrical releases and awards campaigns.

As a co-founding executive at Sideshow, Hellerstein played a pivotal role in the acquisitions and marketing on 19 titles including the Drive My Car, EO, All That Breathes, All We Imagine as Light and Flow.

In total that group received eight Academy Award nominations and one win, while grossing over $11 million at the North American box office.Sideshow launched with the 2021 acquisition of Drive My Car, in partnership with Janus Films.