exclusive: Blue Fox Entertainment The group has bought out the partner Patrick Rizzottithe majority of the shares of Blue Fox Fundingbringing it home and locked in a fund he says is in the eight figures.
Blue Fox Financing, a major North American marketplace for debt and gap financing, is now fully under the umbrella of James Huntsman– led by BFEG, the recently established parent holding company of the American film distribution and international sales company Blue Fox Entertainment. The integration allows the financing entity to leverage a newly closed fund that directly benefits the filmmakers and financiers who work with Blue Fox Entertainment for distribution and sales.
A dollar amount for the fund was not disclosed, but the company expects it to grow next year as additional investors come on board. It will support various credit opportunities, including tax credits, US minimum guarantees, international pre-sales (including from Blue Fox Entertainment) and gap financing. And while it’s primarily into film lending and acquisition, Blue Fox is also pursuing deals in the distribution space.
Rizzotti launched the marketplace that connects filmmakers with banks, private lenders and individual investors in 2018 under the name Crossroad Lending. Blue Fox Entertainment acquired a minority position in 2022 and changed its name. BFEG is now buying Rizzotti’s remaining interest. He remains president of the financing company.
“We work with so many outstanding manufacturers and financiers and are pleased to have raised significant capital to complement the loans offered through our marketplace. Through this new fund we will be able to offer direct lending solutions that go beyond the traditional debt and financing options typically offered by major lenders,” he said.
Huntsman called the deal key to Blue Fox’s long-term growth strategy.
“With Blue Fox Financing now under our umbrella, BFEG can offer filmmakers an unparalleled package: US distribution, Canadian distribution, international sales, with practical financing options. This will create a seamless pipeline from development to a global audience, providing independent filmmakers with a single solution to bring their projects to life.”