Prominent media companies Kino Lorber and First Look Media have formed a joint venture to help operate their respective streaming services, MHz Choice and Topic. Through this joint venture, the companies plan on strengthening their position in the ever-growing streaming market. 

Kino Lorber will be managing the new entity and holding onto a majority stake in its stock. Meanwhile, several members of First Look’s Topic streaming company, including GM Ryan Chanatry and Jennifer Liang, are helping oversee the transition into their ventures. Both streaming services’ programming will be overseen by MHz Content Strategy SVP Lance Schwulst, and Topic Marketing VP Monica Bloom will join the JV for both services as Chief Marketing Officer.

Both Kino Lorber and First Look Media have made their mark in the past for their heavy focus on international, independent films. While Kino Lorber has helped distribute arthouse international films since the 1970s, First Look has supported journalistic efforts since 2013 and transitioned into including crime and thriller stories. Both companies have expressed their excitement and hope that the resulting venture can bring more international films to more American audiences.

“As North American audiences embrace entertainment from around the world, we’re proud to now be the home for the two best-in-class streaming services for international series and films,” Kino Lorber CEO Richard Lorber announces.