The National Media Group is creating a business cluster for distribution and investment in cinema

On July 30, the National Media Group (NMG) announced the creation of a new strategic cluster for distribution and investment in cinema, which will combine the holding's competencies in financing, rights acquisition, film distribution and content commercialization. The new cluster will include NMG Film Distribution, Art Pictures Distribution, and the Commercial Film and Animation Development Fund.

The cluster will be headed by renowned Russian film producer Vadim Vereshchagin, who will also combine this position with the leadership of NMG Film Distribution. Vadim Smirnov, who previously held the position of General Director of NMG Kinoprokat, will continue his work as an adviser to the General Director of NMG Kinoprokat. All changes will take effect on September 1, 2026.

The creation of the cluster is a key stage of NMG's strategy to develop its content business and improve the efficiency of investment management in cinema. The new structure will combine expertise and resources, accelerate investment decisions, improve project selection, and maximize the commercial potential of content at all stages — from development to release.

The cluster will be responsible for forming an investment portfolio of film projects, developing partnerships with production companies, acquiring rights to promising content, organizing film distribution and subsequent distribution on television and digital platforms both in Russia and abroad, as well as purchasing film content for the holding's assets. This approach will ensure more efficient management of the value chain, from the idea and financing to the launch of the project and revenue generation from all available distribution channels.

The cinema distribution and investment cluster will become the third cluster of the media holding. NMG DOC was the first to be established in 2024, specializing in the production of documentary films. In 2025, the company announced the creation of an on-air television cluster.

The new structure's functions will include the formation of an investment portfolio, the development of partnerships with producers, the acquisition of content rights, the organization of rental and distribution on TV and digital platforms in Russia and abroad, as well as purchases for the holding's assets. This will provide end—to-end value creation management, from idea and financing to market entry and monetization through all available channels.

The cinema distribution and investment cluster will become the third cluster of the media holding. NMG DOC was the first to be established in 2024, specializing in the production of documentary films. In 2025, the company announced the creation of an on-air television cluster.

"The creation of a film distribution and investment cluster is in line with NMG's strategic course towards developing Russian film production, diversifying revenue sources and strengthening its leadership position in the information and entertainment market. Vadim Vereshchagin is one of the key people in the Russian film industry, and I am confident that his professional expertise and leadership experience will ensure that the company's strategic objectives are fulfilled in the context of a systemic market transformation. We are grateful to Vadim Smirnov for the creation and establishment of NMG Film Distribution, the formation of its strategy and building partnerships. In the four years since its launch, NMGC has become a full—fledged industry player, opening up many vibrant films to the audience, including several "billionaires," and creating value for the entire film industry," said Svetlana Balanova, CEO of NMG.

"I am pleased to take on a new business challenge and join the National Media Group team. Today, the success of a film project is determined not only by its artistic value, but also by the quality of its investment model, marketing strategy, and distribution. The creation of the cluster will combine these competencies into a single system, increase the efficiency of working with content and create additional growth points for the business," said Vadim Vereshchagin, head of the NMG film Distribution and Investment cluster, General Director of NMG Film Distribution.

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