Imax has tapped former Alamo Drafthouse content exec Heather Morgan as its new head of global distribution.
Morgan, who served as chief content officer at Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, replaces Craig Dehmel, who is stepping down as global distribution chief after nine years at Imax. And Steve Garrett will continue as head of domestic distribution while taking on the additional role of head of alternative content for Imax.
Morgan, based in the company’s Playa Vista office, will oversee curation of Imax’s content portfolio across its global network and report to Jonathan Fischer, chief content officer. “On behalf of Rich and everyone at Imax, I want to express gratitude and admiration for Craig Dehmel and his contributions to Imax over the course of a deeply transformational time for the company — which he leaves in a much stronger, more diversified position,” Fischer said in a statement.
Fischer joined Imax in October 2024 from Netflix to oversee the entertainment technology company’s content strategy around Hollywood tentpoles, international movie titles and other diversified content. While with Alamo Drafthouse, Morgan oversaw film curation for the exhibitor’s 42 locations and 350 screens, and spearheaded distribution agreements and promotional strategies, among other duties.
She also completed earlier executive stints in content and programming at Harkins Theatres and AMC Entertainment. “Heather has a proven ability to wield data, creativity, and audience insights in developing programming strategies that resonate with audiences,” Fischer said. “As demand for the Imax experience soars and our content portfolio expands to more than 130 films and events each year, Heather’s expertise will be critical in delivering for our fans and maximizing the value of our unique global platform,” he added.
In June 2024, Sony Pictures Entertainment acquired Alamo Drafthouse as the major Hollywood studio returned to the exhibition business. For its part, Imax has looked to diversify its core slate of Hollywood blockbuster movies with local-language titles from China, India, Japan and other fast-growing markets, as well as concerts and comedy and sports events that play well in its giant theaters.
“Imax has taken its position as the gold standard in immersive entertainment to the next level in recent years, and yet so much more potential remains as filmmakers and creators around the world line up to create for this platform,” Morgan said in her own statement. “I’m excited to partner with Rich, Jonathan and the team to further elevate our content portfolio and capitalize on the loyalty Imax has built with its audiences,” she added.
