Variance Films Names Andrew Carlin And Ryan Markowitz Co-Heads Of Theatrical Distribution

EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Carlin, a ten-year veteran of Oscilloscope Laboratories, has joined Variance Films as co-head of theatrical distribution with Ryan Markowitz, a theatrical sales consultant exclusive to the company who is moving in-house. They both start this week.

At Oscilloscope, Carlin oversaw releases of Kedi, Embrace of the Serpent and the beloved CatVideoFest,  for which he played a pivotal role in securing the rights to the annual theatrical event that’s grossed over $3 million to date across four continents. He was previously head of theatrical sales for Music Box Films, where he led theatrical sales efforts on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trilogy and Academy Award winner Ida.

“I think many, myself included, have watched Variance Films with an equal sense of awe and envy as they’ve successfully handled theatrical releases of every scale – from Taylor Swift to Ryusuke Hamaguchi and everything in between – with care and creativity,” Carlin said. “Leaving Oscilloscope Labs after a decade is certainly bittersweet, but joining the team at Variance – nearly two decades after first shaking Dylan Marchetti’s hand in the THINKFilm offices – couldn’t feel more like a natural reunion, and I’m exceptionally excited,” he added, referring to the founder and president of Variance Films.

Markowitz started working with Variance in 2022 after serving as VP of Theatrical Sales for STX Entertainment, over the last three years Markowitz has led Variance’s theatrical sales team on wide release titles such as AMC Theatres Distribution’s Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour and Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé, as well as larger moderate and specialty releases.

“I’ve been told Variance is one of the best kept secrets in the theatrical distribution game, and that’s exactly how we like it.  Our name is not on most of the films we release, and that only makes it more critical that we have the sharpest, smartest team in the business- because others are trusting us to release films in their names,” Marchetti said. “Andrew and Ryan’s experience, relationships, and skill sets combine perfectly to ensure Variance is top of class for both the larger commercial releases and the prestige art house-driven releases that exhibitors large and small have come to know us for, allowing us to deliver bigger and better to those who entrust us with their theatrical distribution.”

Since 2008, Variance Films has worked directly with established companies, rights holders, producers, and filmmakers to deliver top-tier North American theatrical releases, as well as marketing and consultation services. 

In 2024, titles Variance served grossed over $56 million and received nine Academy Award nominations. 

In 2023, AMC Theatres tapped Variance to power the U.S. theatrical distribution for the concert films from Taylor Swift and Beyonce. In 2022, the company’s innovative re-release of S.S. Rajamouli’s Telugu-language blockbuster RRR kicked off a global sensation and audience-driven awards campaign, culminating in India’s first ever Academy Award win for a feature film. 

Variance, which “prides itself on searching for exciting new talent to amplify,” has released the debut features from Damien Chazelle, Eliza Hittman, and Terence Nance. Its upcoming slate includes Sideshow/Janus Films’ release of David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds, opening in NYC and LA on April 18 ahead of a national expansion, and Mucho Mas Releasing’s Rosario, which will debut wide on May 2.

Variance’s current co-head of theatrical distribution, Jasper Bach, will be departing at the end of April.