Andrew carpthe founder and CEO of the Indie Distributor Bleecker Streetthe former co-CEO of Focus functionsand an all-round icon as indie film executive, has died. He was 59.
The carp died on Monday April 28. 2024 he had been diagnosed with a form of brain cancer called glioblastoma, and describes the extent and severity of his condition in one piece in Deadline.
“Our industry has lost a giant,” said Kent Sanderson, Bleecker Street’s President and Andrews long friend. “Andrew taught us all so much, of which it is the value of kindness, honesty and family above all. His leadership and courage will inspire us all on Bleecker Street for the rest of our lives.”
The carp was founded Bleecker Street As a New York City-based independently funded studio in August 2014, after releasing more than 75 films including titles such as “Logan Lucky”, “Leave No Trace”, “Assistant”, “Rumor”, “Mass”, “The Starling Girl”, “Captain Fantastic”, “” “Hard truths“And many more. The carp navigated Bleecker through the industry disorder of Covid and other huge changes from streaming after previously served as co-CEO for focus functions.
Karpen had joined in 2002 as COO before he was promoted to president in 2006. He was responsible for the company’s finance, operations and strategic planning and with his promotion added domestic marketing, publicity and distribution, and he also handled the international sales and distribution arm for Focus. Before joining Focus, the carp spent time at Oxygen Media as a senior vice president, Finance & Planning and began his career in the industry at Miramax Films.
The carp has an MBA from New York University’s Leonard N. School of Business, as well as a bachelor’s degree in business economics from Washington University’s School of Business. He is the manager of Bafta New York and a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
Andrew is survived by his wife Pam, his sons Josh and Zack, his daughter Sloan and Josh’s wife Christian who expect their first child. Andrew was born on April 18, 1966 and recently celebrated his 59th birthday. The family would appreciate donations made in the name of the carp to Lenox Hill Brain Tumor Center or Fairfield County Hospice House.
