Creating Big Screen Experiences for Passionate Fanbases featuring Shannah Miller and Lynne Schmidt

"Our goal is to make every theatrical release feel like an event." Lynne Schmidt, SVP Operations and Strategic Partnerships Fathom Entertainment 

In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, host Alex Stolz sits down with Shannah Miller, Vice President of Marketing, and Lynne Schmidt, Senior Vice President of Operations and Strategic Partnerships at Fathom Entertainment.

Fathom has long been known as a leader in event cinema, bringing live performances, special screenings, and classic films to theaters worldwide. But as the theatrical landscape evolves, so has Fathom. In this conversation, Shannah and Lynne share how the company has expanded beyond event cinema into specialty distribution, creating custom theatrical release strategies tailored to different types of content and audience demand.

They discuss the company’s rebranding from Fathom Events to Fathom Entertainment and how this shift reflects their broader vision of theatrical engagement. With a diverse slate that includes The Chosen, classic film re-releases, anime, live concerts, and even influencer-driven horror films, Fathom has carved out a unique niche in the industry.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

• Why Fathom transitioned from an event-based distribution model to a more flexible, entertainment-focused strategy
• The remarkable success of The Chosen in theaters and what it means for the future of serialized content on the big screen
• How classic re-releases, such as Coraline and The Lord of the Rings, continue to draw audiences and drive strong box office results
• The growing role of faith-based and inspirational content in theatrical distribution
• How partnerships with major studios, filmmakers, and exhibitors allow Fathom to bring a wide range of content to theaters
• The importance of community-driven marketing, influencer partnerships, and data-driven audience engagement
• The evolving role of theatrical distribution in a crowded entertainment landscape, and how Fathom is positioning itself for the future

Shannah and Lynne also share insights into how audience behaviors are shifting, why theatrical experiences remain vital despite the rise of streaming, and how exhibitors can benefit from diversifying their programming. They highlight the importance of offering audiences something they can’t get at home, from exclusive content to immersive experiences like large-format screenings and collectible merchandise.

With a packed slate of upcoming releases and new strategies to engage audiences, Fathom Entertainment is proving that theatrical distribution is not only viable but thriving. Whether you are a filmmaker, distributor, or industry professional, this episode provides valuable insights into the future of theatrical marketing and the power of fan-driven content.

Listen now to discover how Fathom Entertainment is shaping the future of cinema and redefining what it means to bring content to the big screen.

Lynne Schmidt, SVP, Operations & Strategic Partnerships Fathom Entertainment

Lynne has 18 years of experience in the event cinema industry holding various roles within Fathom Entertainment since 2006. As Senior Vice President of Operations & Strategic Partnerships she is responsible for the management of Fathom’s proprietary satellite network which is installed in over 1,100 theatres in the U.S. and heads distribution efforts with all Fathom’s theatre partners both domestically and internationally. Lynne also leads programming efforts with Fathom’s premiere content partner, The Metropolitan Opera.

Shannah Miller, VP of Marketing Fathom Entertainment

Shannah is a marketing leader with 15+ years of experience in the entertainment industry. Before joining Fathom Entertainment, she held various positions at Atom Tickets, including Head of Partnerships and Business Development and Head of Marketing and Communications. She began her career in the music business and served as a senior executive at various labels within Sony Music, including RCA, Jive, Arista, and Columbia Records. As the VP of Marketing at Fathom Entertainment, she oversees all marketing and communication efforts with its customers, studios, content partners, exhibitors, and press.