Oct. 18, 2024

The Apprentice Distributor's Fearless Approach

Abbasi’s Trump origins story opens in 1,740 theatres.

Tom Ortenberg, the founder of Briarcliff Entertainment, is gearing up for the release of The Apprentice, a provocative biopic about Donald Trump’s early years. The film, directed by Ali Abbasi, has already stirred significant controversy, featuring Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn. Ortenberg, known for his fearless approach to distributing challenging films, emphasizes the importance of courage in the industry. “When releasing a controversial film, one that is too hot to handle for others, the most important thing is you have to be fearless,” he stated.

The Apprentice faced numerous hurdles, including legal threats from Trump’s campaign and initial reluctance from U.S. distributors. Despite these challenges, Ortenberg secured the film’s North American rights after its successful screenings at Cannes, Telluride, and Toronto International Film Festival. The film’s release, strategically timed before the U.S. election, aims to spark conversations and potentially influence voters.

Ortenberg’s track record includes Oscar-winning Spotlight and the box office hit Fahrenheit 9/11, showcasing his ability to navigate and succeed with contentious projects1. As The Apprentice hits theatre’s, Ortenberg’s fearless stance underscores his commitment to bringing bold, thought-provoking cinema to audiences.

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