Blood Sweat Honey Launches Cinema Machine and Graven Image

Blood Sweat Honey, the talent scouting and representation firm for independent filmmakers, has launched two distribution divisions: Cinema Machine for theatrical and digital releases, and Graven Image, a genre label focused on horror, sci-fi and cult films.

Cinema Machine will distribute films theatrically and digitally and will also develop and manage projects, bookings and contracts. Chad McKim Miller, previously a VP at Gravitas Ventures, joins the division as head of distribution and sales.

Blood Sweat Honey president Alex Nohe co-founded the company in 2017 with Jeff "The Dude" Dowd — the real-life inspiration behind "The Big Lebowski." Nohe, a producers rep and distribution consultant, has guided more than 500 independent filmmakers, helping them find their audience and secure distribution.

Who is running the new divisions?

Miller brings his Gravitas Ventures experience to a company built around filmmaker advocacy. The move signals Blood Sweat Honey's expansion from scouting and consulting into hands-on distribution — a shift that could shorten the distance between its client filmmakers and their audiences.

Graven Image gives the company a dedicated home for genre fare, while Cinema Machine operates as the broader distribution arm. The structure allows the firm to manage a film's path from representation through release.

In other awards news: The Academy names its Oscars social media ambassador

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has named digital creator and filmmaker Reece Feldman as social media ambassador and red carpet correspondent for the 99th Oscars.

Feldman will participate in awards season events including the Academy Museum Gala, Governors Awards and Nominees Luncheon. His role culminates in interviews on the Oscars red carpet.

He built his following through his account @guywithamoviecamera, which shares behind-the-scenes access to film sets, premieres and awards shows. His directorial debut short film premiered during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival as part of its partnership with TikTok.

"Every movie lover's dream is to feel close to the Oscars, and my goal is to bring them as close as I possibly can to that experience," Feldman said. "It is cinema's most celebrated night, and I'm honored to represent fans and supporters of the filmic arts leading up to and through the ceremony."

When and where do the 99th Oscars take place?

The ceremony will be held March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The awards air live on ABC and other broadcast outlets at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

For Blood Sweat Honey, the launch positions a filmmaker-first firm to compete in a distribution market where indie titles increasingly need advocates with release infrastructure — and Miller's hire suggests the company intends to use it immediately.