1-2 Special

1-2 Special Inc.
IndustryFilm industry
FoundedSeptember 16, 2024; 2 years ago (2024-09-16)
FounderJason Hellerstein
Headquarters
New York City, New York
,
U.S.
Website12special.com

1-2 Special Inc. is an American independent film distribution company founded by CEO Jason Hellerstein. Its first film, Urchin, was released in 2025. It has also distributed Dracula (2025), Kontinental '25 (2025), Erupcja (2025), Miroirs No. 3 (2025), and Silent Friend (2025).

History

In February 2025, it was announced that former Sideshow, Magnolia Pictures acquisitions and Cinetic Media marketing and PR executive Jason Hellerstein had launched 1-2 Special, a distribution company focusing on releasing ten films a year, primarily acquisitions from film festivals.

Amanda Trokan serves as senior vice president of acquisitions, Nico Chapin as vice president of publicity, and Jonathan DeMaio as VP of distribution.

In May 2025, 1-2 Special received financial backing from production companies Cinema Inutile, Kindred Spirit, Unapologetic Projects and Fit Via Vi.

The company's first release was Urchin, directed by Harris Dickinson.

Filmography

2020s

Release Date Title Notes
October 10, 2025UrchinUn Certain Regard Best Actor
/ Nominated – Caméra d'Or
October 29, 2025DraculaNominated – Golden Leopard
January 30, 2026A PoetUn Certain Regard Jury Prize
March 20, 2026Miroirs No. 3
March 27, 2026Kontinental '25Silver Bear for Best Screenplay
/ Nominated – Golden Bear
April 17, 2026Erupcja
May 8, 2026Silent FriendMarcello Mastroianni Award
/ Nominated – Golden Lion
May 29, 2026 Time and Water co-distribution with National Geographic Documentary Films
June 19, 2026Rose of NevadaNominated – Orizzonti

Upcoming

Release Date Title Notes
October 28, 2026 Closure
December 18, 2026 La Gradiva Critics’ Week Grand Prize
/ Nominated – Caméra d'Or
2027A Man of His TimeCannes Film Festival Award for Best Screenplay
/ Nominated – Palme d'Or
TBAEverytimePrix Un Certain Regard

References

  1. 1 2 "1-2 Special Inc". OpenCorporates. Retrieved May 25, 2026.
  2. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 12, 2025). "Sideshow Vet Jason Hellerstein Launches New Distribution Label 1-2 Special". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  3. ↑ Lang, Brent (April 30, 2025). "New York Distribution Company 1-2 Special Hires Amanda Trokan, Nico Chapin for Key Executive Roles (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  4. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (October 16, 2025). "Sony Pictures Classics Veteran Jonathan DeMaio Named VP Distribution For Jason Hellerstein's 1-2 Special". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  5. ↑ Roxborough, Scott (May 12, 2025). "Cannes: Indie Film Investors Bet on New Theatrical Company 1-2 Special (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  6. ↑ Lattanzio, Ryan (September 10, 2025). "'Urchin' Trailer: Harris Dickinson's Powerhouse Directing Debut Makes Frank Dillane a Star". IndieWire. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  7. ↑ Raup, Jordan (October 8, 2025). "U.S. Trailer for Radu Jude's Dracula Takes an Ambitious Bite". The Film Stage. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  8. ↑ Barraclough, Leo (June 5, 2025). "1-2 Special Acquires North American Rights for Simón Mesa Soto's Cannes Award-Winner 'A Poet' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  9. ↑ Carey, Matthew (May 4, 2026). "'Time And Water' Trailer: Oscar-Nominated Director Sara Dosa's "Love Letter To [Disappearing] Glaciers"". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  10. ↑ Roxborough, Scott (October 9, 2025). "1-2 Special Takes 'Rose of Nevada' for North America". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  11. ↑ Goodfellow, Melanie (May 21, 2026). "Cannes Critics' Week Winner 'La Gradiva' Seals North America Deal". Deadline. Retrieved May 25, 2026.
  12. ↑ Ntim, Zac (July 14, 2026). "1-2 Special Acquires Emmanuel Marre's 'A Man Of His Time'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 14, 2026.