Film Mentors: Artist Development - Chris Horton

Chris Horton joined Sundance Institute in 2011 to run #ArtistServices, a new initiative that further extends the organization’s mission of connecting artists with audiences. Through a series of innovative deals and partnerships, #ArtistServices provides Institute alumni with powerful tools and resources that enhance creative funding and distribution opportunities.

Horton was previously the head of acquisitions for FilmBuff, a pioneering New York-based digital distribution company and sister company to John Sloss’ Cinetic Media. Under Horton’s leadership, FilmBuff acquired sales rights to hundreds of feature-length movies, including Banksy’s “Exit Through The Gift Shop”, Chris Smith’s “Collapse”, and Edward Burns’ “Nice Guy Johnny”. He also brokered numerous output deals with distributors such as MTV Films, Kino-Lorber, Palm Pictures, Wolfe Video, and MPI Media.

Horton had been with Cinetic for five years before the formation of FilmBuff in 2007. At Cinetic, a powerhouse sales agency behind titles such as “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Napoleon Dynamite”, Horton negotiated several distribution deals and led the company’s tracking and outreach strategies.

Horton previously worked for Miramax Films, following his graduation from the University of Colorado with degrees in film studies and psychology.

He lives in Los Angeles.