Kristen Konvitz is making waves in the independent film world with her move to WME Independent as a film finance and packaging agent, based in the company’s Beverly Hills office.
Known for her ability to secure financing, craft sophisticated distribution deals, and create strategic marketing roadmaps, Konvitz has a proven track record of championing both emerging voices and established filmmakers.
Her arrival comes at a crucial time for the independent film market, as major festivals like Cannes, Sundance, TIFF, and SXSW continue to serve as global launching pads for prestige projects.
With deep roots in New York’s indie scene and a career spanning powerhouse agencies and production companies, Konvitz’s expertise positions WME Independent to play an even more influential role in shaping the future of independent cinema.
A Rising Star in Film Finance
Konvitz’s resume reads like a roadmap to indie success. Over the years, she’s helped bring countless festival darlings to the big screen.
From Charlie Polinger’s The Plague, which premiered at Cannes, to last year’s TIFF Emerging Talent Award winner Bonjour Tristesse by Durga Chew-Bose, her fingerprints are on some of the most buzzworthy projects in recent memory.
Other standout titles include:
-
The Assessment by Fleur Fortune
-
Open Road’s Sovereign, starring Nick Offerman
-
The Dreadful, an upcoming horror film with Sophie Turner and Kit Harington
-
Sundance Best Director winner Palm Trees and Power Lines
-
Spike Lee’s HBO special American Utopia
Her ability to blend creative vision with financial strategy has earned her a reputation as a go-to dealmaker for independent filmmakers looking to break through the noise of a crowded marketplace.
From ICM and UTA to WME: A Career Built on Relationships
Before joining WME, Konvitz was an independent agent at UTA and ICM Partners, two of the most powerful agencies in the industry. There, she honed her skills in raising capital and brokering distribution deals, often for films that went on to secure awards-season recognition.
Her journey also includes leadership roles behind the scenes:
-
Head of Production at Stay Gold Features, where she helped launch the company and shepherded projects from development to release.
-
Director of Film at Indiegogo, establishing the platform as a major force for filmmakers seeking alternative funding avenues.
-
Acquisitions and production at Wild Bunch, where she worked on global deals for six years.
-
Early career beginnings at The Weinstein Company, where she first learned the intricacies of the business.
This blend of creative development, production oversight, and sales expertise has given Konvitz a 360-degree view of the indie film ecosystem — a rare and powerful skill set.
WME Independent’s TIFF Slate Signals Strength
Konvitz joins WME Independent at a moment when the agency is making significant moves in the marketplace. This year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) lineup includes a diverse slate of highly anticipated films:
-
Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire
-
Motor City
-
Normal
-
Maude Apatow’s directorial debut Poetic License
-
Tuner
By aligning with WME Independent, Konvitz will play a pivotal role in ensuring these projects — and many more to come — reach audiences worldwide through smart financing and distribution strategies.
Why This Move Matters for Independent Film
Konvitz’s hiring reflects a broader trend: the growing complexity of financing and distributing independent films in today’s global market. With streaming platforms, international co-productions, and shifting audience behaviors, indie films require more sophisticated packaging than ever before.
Her expertise in navigating these challenges makes her a key asset for WME Independent’s clients. For filmmakers, this means:
-
Access to capital through both traditional and alternative financing routes.
-
Strategic festival positioning to maximize exposure and deal potential.
-
Global distribution strategies that reach beyond domestic markets.
Scholar Turned Strategist
Konvitz’s academic background further sets her apart. She holds an MFA in Film from Columbia University’s School of the Arts and graduated Magna Cum Laude from NYU’s Steinhardt School of Education with a degree in Communications and Media Studies.
This blend of formal training and hands-on industry experience allows her to understand both the storytelling and business sides of filmmaking — a balance that’s essential for success in today’s film landscape.
The Future of Independent Cinema
With Kristen Konvitz now part of WME Independent’s powerhouse team, the agency is poised to expand its influence in global film markets and festivals. For filmmakers navigating a rapidly evolving industry, her arrival signals a renewed commitment to supporting bold, innovative voices.
For those attending TIFF, Sundance, or Cannes, keep an eye on WME Independent’s slate — and expect to see Konvitz’s name attached to some of the most talked-about films of the year.
