December 17, 2024
Cosmic Picture Distribution, a distributor of giant screen films for museum and science center theaters, announced two new key hires today: Joanie Vandenberg Philipp will join as President, and Lutz Strategies Principal, Mike Lutz, as Strategic Advisor. The move positions Cosmic as a leader in original production, distribution and marketing.
Both Philipp (formerly COO of Discovery Place and Head of Strategy & Museum Partnerships at Flying Fish Exhibits) and Lutz (now Principal at Lutz Strategies, formerly Director of Business Development Cosm, VP of New Business Development Evans & Sutherland/Spitz, VP Institutional Sales and Client Services Imax Corporation, President, MacGillivray Freeman Films) are industry veterans with decades of experience. They will join a team that includes John Wickstrom, who will now serve as Chief Distribution Officer, Kim Nickels, CFO, and Jennifer Lee Hackett, Sales and Marketing. Aileen Robertson will continue to lead marketing for Cosmic´s new film releases.
“We are excited to build on our early success by bringing in Joanie and Mike to lead and power our distribution efforts alongside John Wickstrom and the rest of our incredible team,” explained Taran Davies, Cosmic Picture CEO. “We will continue to work closely with all our project stakeholders to deliver outstanding results for our film partners and theatre customers. I would also like to thank Antonietta Monteleone for her work and wish her all the best with her new opportunity.”
Cosmic Picture distributes a range of films, including the forthcoming Wild Rescue, Jane Goodall´s Reasons for Hope, The Arctic, Superpower Dogs and a number of giant screen documentaries from the National Geographic library, including the award-winning Sea Monsters, Extreme Weather, and Mysteries of the Unseen World.
“The passion and knowledge Joanie and Mike bring the team is undeniable,” said Daniel Ferguson, writer and director of Cosmic Picture´s films Jerusalem, Superpower Dogs and the upcoming Einstein’s Incredible Universe. “They bring new vitality and insight we need to ensure the continued relevance of everything we do.”
“I am excited with this new opportunity and look forward to building and expanding our distribution company. Cosmic Picture is known for delivering superior content to the giant screen and bringing award winning films to the market.” said Philipp.
“I have long admired Cosmic Picture’s gifted and unwavering dedication to the giant screen.” said Lutz. “I am thrilled to help them expand their incredible potential for the benefit of exhibitors and the public.”
To inquire about leasing, contact Joanie Philipp at joanie@cosmicpicture.com or John Wickstrom at john@cosmicpicture.com. Mike Lutz can be reached at mike@cosmicpicture.com.
About Cosmic Picture
Cosmic Picture was founded by Taran Davies and Daniel Ferguson to make the most compelling cinematic experiences possible and to change people’s perception of the universe. Cosmic Picture’s last film in distribution was Jane Goodall´s Reasons for Hope (recipient of several awards at the 2024 GSCA Achievement Awards, including co-winner, Best Documentary Short Subject) and its last production was the Heart of New England, made exclusively for the Museum of Science Boston’s IMAX Dome. Its upcoming film Wild Rescue, produced by Tandem Stills + Motion, slated for June 2025 and Einstein´s Incredible Universe in March 2026.
For more information, visit www.cosmicpicture.com
Joanie Vandenberg Philipp, President, Cosmic Picture Distribution
