Jackie Brenneman, a long-serving executive at the National Association of Theatre Owners, the group now known as Cinema United, is taking over from Jean Prewitt as the new president and CEO of The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), the group that runs the American Film Market (AFM). Prewitt, who has run IFTA for 25 years, is stepping down next month.
With Brenneman, IFTA gets an exhibition expert. The veteran film exec spent nearly a decade at NATO, eventually rising to the post of executive vice president and general counsel. She’s advised and advocated on behalf of the exhibition industry on competition and regulatory matters, on copyright and trade policies, and led NATO’s industry relief efforts during the COVID-19 shut-down, including its “Save Our Screens” initiative. Brenneman was also president of NATO’s non-profit arm, the Cinema Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing the cultural and economic impact of theatrical exhibition.
“Jackie brings industry insight, legal and lobbying expertise, and a proven record of guiding complex membership organizations,” said Paul Bales, Chairperson, IFTA and Partner and COO at indie production house The Asylum. “Her deep appreciation of how business, public affairs, and creative communities intersect, and her experience navigating the fast pace of evolution in our industry and the challenges it presents, especially for independent companies, make her uniquely qualified to lead IFTA and AFM into their next chapter. We look forward to working closely with her.”
Most recently, Brenneman served as CEO of Attend, a theatrical marketplace that connects independent filmmakers directly with exhibitors to expand distribution opportunities. She’s a founding partner, along with former NATO CEO John Fithian and VP Patrick Corcoran, of theatrical consulting firm The Fithian Group. Before joining NATO, she practiced as a trademark and copyright attorney at Foley & Lardner LLP.
“This is a pivotal moment for the independent film and television community, which has always been defined by risk-taking and innovation,” said Brenneman in a statement. “As the industry undergoes rapid transformation — through consolidation, new financing structures, and evolving models of production and distribution — independents are uniquely positioned to shape new paths forward and lead the next phase of change.”
Brenneman praised outgoing IFTA boss Prewitt for the “strong foundation” she and her team had built, noting it meant “IFTA and AFM are entering this next chapter from a position of real strength.”
Bales thanked Prewitt on behalf of the board “for her extraordinary leadership over the past 25 years and for the profound impact she has had not only on IFTA, but on the independent industry at large.”
Prewitt has served as IFTA’s President and CEO since 2000, shepherding the organization through tumultuous upheaval, including the disruption of the streaming revolution, the COVID shutdowns and the dual actors and writers’ strikes in 2023.
“I am incredibly proud of what the IFTA community and AFM have become and continually inspired by the creativity and commitment of our members and team,” said Prewitt. “Jackie’s experience and understanding of this industry position her exceptionally well to lead both the Alliance and AFM forward and to support the entrepreneurial spirit and needs of the Independents.”
