Fathom Entertainment

Fathom Entertainment didn't just find a niche in the movie business, it created one. Founded in 2000 by Dan Scharf and John Rubey, the company saw an opportunity to fill theater seats on off-peak nights with something other than Hollywood blockbusters. That bet paid off. Today, Fathom is the largest distributor of alternative content to North American cinemas, turning local multiplexes into venues for the Metropolitan Opera's Live in HD series, championship boxing matches, Taylor Swift concert films, and even faith-based series like The Chosen.

What sets Fathom apart is its ownership structure. From 2007 until 2024, the company was jointly owned by AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, and Cinemark, the three biggest U.S. chains. That gave it guaranteed access to thousands of screens, a competitive edge that rivals like Iconic Events and CineLife Entertainment can't match. In early 2024, global investment firm KKR acquired Fathom for about $500 million, taking the company private again. The new ownership brought in CEO Ray Nutt, who previously led the company's sports division, and signaled a shift toward original content production and international expansion.

Fathom's events run the gamut from live sports to classic film re-releases. The company has exclusive deals for UFC fights, Canelo Álvarez boxing matches, and NFL games, as well as anime hits like Dragon Ball Super. It also distributes Broadway shows, ballet performances from the Bolshoi and Royal Ballet, and concert films from artists like BTS and Coldplay. Beyond distribution, Fathom has started producing its own documentaries and concert films, a natural next step for a company that knows exactly what its audience wants to see on the big screen.[edit]