EXCLUSIVE: Blue Fox Entertainment The group bought out the partner Patrick Rizzottimajority stake in Funding by Blue Foxhe brought it in-house and closed a fund said to be in the eight figures.
Blue Fox Financing, North America’s premier marketplace for debt and gap financing, is now fully covered James Huntsman– led by BFEG, the recently formed holding company of the parent company of the American film distribution and international sales company Blue Fox Entertainment. The integration allows the financier to tap into a newly closed fund that directly benefits filmmakers and financiers working with Blue Fox Entertainment on distribution and sales.
The dollar amount for the fund was not disclosed, but the company expects it to grow next year as more investors come on board. It will support a variety of credit opportunities including tax credits, minimum US guarantees, international pre-sales (including from Blue Fox Entertainment) and gap financing. And while it’s primarily for film rentals and acquisitions, Blue Fox is also pursuing deals in the distribution space.
Rizzotti launched a 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 its name. BFEG is now acquiring Rizzotti’s remaining stake. He remains the president of the financial company.
“We work with so many excellent producers and financiers and are excited to have raised significant capital to complement the loans offered through our marketplace. Through this new fund, we will be able to offer direct lending solutions that go beyond the traditional debt and financing options commonly available from major lenders,” he said.
Huntsman called the deal key to Blue Fox’s long-term growth strategy.
“With Blue Fox Financing now under its umbrella, BFEG can offer filmmakers a unique package: US distribution, Canadian distribution, international sales with practical financing options. This will create a seamless pipeline from development to a global audience and provide independent filmmakers with a one-stop solution to bring their projects to life.”