EXCLUSIVE: Blue Fox Entertainment Group has bought out partner Patrick Rizzotti‘s majority stake in Blue Fox Financing, bringing it in house, and closed on a fund it says is in the eight figures.
Blue Fox Financing, a major North American marketplace for debt and gap financing, is now fully under umbrella of James Huntsman-led BFEG, the recently created holding company parent of U.S. film distribution and international sales company Blue Fox Entertainment. The integration allows the funding entity to leverage a newly closed fund directly benefiting filmmakers and financiers working with Blue Fox Entertainment on distribution and sales.
A dollar amount for the fund wasn’t disclosed but the company expects it to grow next year as additional investors come on board. It will support various lending opportunities including tax credits, U.S. minimum guarantees, international presales (including from Blue Fox Entertainment) and gap financing. And while it’s primarily for lending and film acquisitions, Blue Fox is also pursuing deals in the distribution space.
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Rizzotti launched the marketplace connecting filmmakers with banks, private lenders and individual investors in 2018 under the name Crossroad Lending. Blue Fox Entertainment acquired a minority position in 2022 and changed the name. BFEG is now acquiring Rizzotti’s remaining interest. He remains president of the financing company.
“We work with so many outstanding producers and financiers and are thrilled to have raised significant capital to complement the loans offered through our marketplace. Through this new fund we’ll be able to offer direct lending solutions that go beyond traditional debt and financing options typically available from major lenders,” he said.
Huntsman called the agreement key to Blue Fox’s long-term growth strategy.
“With Blue Fox Financing now under our umbrella, BFEG can offer filmmakers an unparalleled package: U.S. distribution, Canadian distribution, international sales, with practical funding options. This will create a seamless pipeline from development to a global audience, providing independent filmmakers a one-stop solution to bring their projects to life.”