Gravitas Network

Overview

Gravitas Network is the theatrical and platform partnership division of Gravitas Ventures, the Cleveland-based independent film distributor now operating under Radial Entertainment. Founded in 2006 by Nolan Gallagher, Gravitas built its infrastructure around direct relationships with cable operators, satellite providers, and streaming platforms, creating a distribution network that connects independent filmmakers to over 50 digital and broadcast destinations across North America.

The company moved from Los Angeles to Cleveland in 2019. In April 2025, Shout! Studios acquired Gravitas from Anthem Sports and Entertainment. Oaktree Capital Management, which backs Shout! Studios, subsequently merged it with FilmRise to form Radial Entertainment, an entity controlling over 70,000 titles. Gravitas maintains a 10-person staff in Cleveland and continues to service its 3,300-title library while following through on pre-existing release commitments.

For independent filmmakers, the Gravitas network provides access to platforms that require direct distributor relationships, including cable VOD systems (Comcast, Cox, Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios), major TVOD storefronts (Apple TV, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play), SVOD services (Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock), and AVOD/FAST channels (Tubi, Pluto TV, Freevee, Plex). This platform reach is the primary value proposition for filmmakers who cannot secure individual platform accounts on their own.

Network and Platform Infrastructure

Gravitas operates one of the most extensive platform networks among mid-tier US independent distributors. The company's relationships span:

Cable and Satellite VOD: Comcast Xfinity, Cox Communications, Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios, DirecTV, and Dish Network. Cable VOD remains a meaningful revenue channel for independent films, particularly in the 30-day TVOD window before SVOD or AVOD availability. Gravitas manages encoding, metadata, and delivery compliance for each cable operator separately, as technical specifications vary by provider.

TVOD Platforms: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video (rental and purchase), Vudu, Google Play, Fandango at Home (formerly FandangoNow). These platforms generate transactional revenue through rental and purchase pricing tiers that Gravitas manages on behalf of rights holders.

SVOD Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock, and genre-specific services like Shudder (for horror titles). SVOD licensing deals are negotiated on a per-title or package basis, with terms varying by platform and title performance.

AVOD and FAST Channels: Tubi, Pluto TV, Freevee, Plex, and Gravitas's own FAST channels operated through the Radial Entertainment infrastructure. AVOD revenue is generated through advertising inserted into streams, with revenue shared between platform, distributor, and rights holder.

Theatrical Partnerships: Gravitas arranges limited theatrical releases for qualifying films through exhibition partnerships. These runs typically span 5 to 20 theaters and function as marketing drivers for digital revenue rather than primary revenue streams. Recent theatrical-adjacent releases include Cognitive (September 2025, limited theatrical beginning September 26 prior to digital release October 3).

Deal Structure for Network Distribution

Gravitas network distribution deals are structured as revenue-share arrangements. The standard model:

• Distribution fee: 25% to 35% of net digital revenue (after platform fees)
• Minimum guarantee: $0 to $25,000 for most titles; higher for films with recognizable cast or strong festival pedigree
• Rights granted: Typically all digital rights (TVOD, SVOD, AVOD) for North America, with optional international territories negotiated separately
• Term length: 3 to 7 years, with 5 years being common
• Marketing commitment: Minimal to none unless specifically negotiated; filmmakers are responsible for audience development
• Theatrical component: Optional, typically self-financed by the filmmaker or split with Gravitas for qualifying titles

The onboarding cost per title (ingestion, QC, marketing assets, delivery, license sales overhead) runs approximately $15,000 to $25,000, which is recouped from revenue before the filmmaker sees income. This means a film must generate $20,000 to $35,000 in gross platform revenue before the filmmaker receives their first dollar, depending on the distribution fee and recoupment structure.

How Gravitas Compares to Alternatives

Filmmakers evaluating the Gravitas network against other distribution options should consider:

Versus pure aggregators (Filmhub, Quiver Digital): Aggregators charge lower fees (typically 15% to 20%) but provide less curation and fewer platform relationships. Aggregators generally do not offer MGs. Gravitas provides more hands-on delivery management and has cable VOD relationships that most aggregators lack, but charges a higher fee.

Versus FilmRise: Now under the same Radial Entertainment umbrella as Gravitas, FilmRise operates over 600 FAST channels and AVOD streaming apps. FilmRise may be a better fit for filmmakers seeking AVOD-first distribution, while Gravitas has stronger TVOD and cable VOD infrastructure.

Versus specialty distributors (IFC Films, Magnolia Pictures, Vertical Entertainment): These distributors offer larger MGs (often $50,000 to $500,000-plus for festival titles), theatrical marketing commitments, and higher-profile releases. They also have much lower acquisition volume and higher rejection rates. Gravitas accepts films that do not meet specialty distributor thresholds.

Versus self-distribution: Filmmakers who manage their own platform accounts (through services like Quiver or Filmhub) keep a larger revenue share but handle all delivery, metadata, and marketing themselves. The Gravitas network is most valuable for filmmakers who want to outsource delivery and benefit from cable VOD access that self-distribution platforms cannot provide.

Current Status Under Radial Entertainment

The Radial Entertainment acquisition has reduced Gravitas's new acquisition volume. The parent company has stated that the existing library (where onboarding costs are already spent and revenue data exists) is more valuable than acquiring new low-budget films at $15,000-plus per title. This means:

• Gravitas is following through on pre-existing release commitments but acquiring fewer new titles
• The platform network remains operational and is being used to monetize the combined Radial library
• New acquisitions face higher scrutiny and may require stronger cast, genre appeal, or festival pedigree
• The Cleveland staff of 10 continues to manage library operations and delivery

Filmmakers seeking distribution through the Gravitas network in 2025 and 2026 should submit through the company's website at gravitasventures.com or through a sales agent. The company attends AFM, Santa Barbara Film Festival, and specialty genre festivals for acquisitions.

See Also

For how mid-tier US distribution compares to premium specialty distribution for independent films, see Distribution Deals Explained. To model revenue from a Gravitas-style revenue-share deal with cable VOD and digital windows, use the Revenue Forecast Calculator. For understanding how distribution fees and recoupment structures affect filmmaker receipts, see What Does a Distributor Keep?. For pure aggregator alternatives, see Filmhub and Quiver Digital in this directory. For the main Gravitas Ventures entry, see Gravitas Ventures.