In 2006, Doug Freed formed Sagewood Cinema Ventures LLC -- a media consulting service specializing in the distribution, exhibition and marketing of independent and foreign films.
In 2002, Doug started a booking service with Laemmle Theatres, the leading Los Angeles-based art exhibitor. The Laemmle Theatres Booking Service disbanded in 2008. Doug currently buys film for 84 screens in 14 locations. His clients include Southern California-based Regency Theatres and the Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs.
In 2002, Doug distributed David Jacobson’s critically acclaimed, Spirit Award nominated independent film, Dahmer, across the country. He guided the producer, publicist and talent on creating a national release strategy and coordinated local ad agencies and publicists. Despite a short video window and lack of necessary prints and advertising, Dahmer grossed $175,000 theatrically. Other titles Doug has consulted on include A Previous Engagement, Waging a Living, Green Dragon, Fear X, Tube and In Good Conscience. Doug handled film sales for Laemmle/Zeller Films, the distribution company formed by Greg Laemmle and Steven Zeller. Films include LA Film Festival winner Up for Grabs and Sundance winner Down to the Bone.
From 1999 to 2001, Doug was the Vice President and Co-Head Film Buyer for Landmark Theatres. He was the senior executive in the Los Angeles office, in charge of an eight person Film Department. He oversaw all aspects of distributor relationships, including film buying and settlement for the largest specialized theatre circuit in America. Career highlights include leading Landmark to its most successful year in the company’s 25-year history, and early recognition of the potential of The Blair Witch Project, garnering an unprecedented 13 of the 27 engagements nationally on its initial opening. Before that, Doug worked at Landmark for four years as Film Buyer and one year as Senior Advertising Supervisor
Doug served as the Director of Advertising for Fox Searchlight Pictures in 1995 and 1996. He piloted the advertising department for the specialized film division of Twentieth Century Fox. He created, budgeted and implemented national advertising strategies for such films as The Brothers McMullen and Girl 6. He also enacted national and local promotions and directed field agencies and exhibitors.
Doug is a graduate of Columbia University.