K2 Communications
K2 Studios is a 1996-founded producer-distributor of giant screen IMAX documentary films and premium factual television, distributing 80+ giant screen films and ~200 fulldome shows to science centers, museums, broadcasters, and streaming platforms worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersEl Segundo, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What K2 Communications does
K2 Studios (formerly K2 Communications) is a privately held producer-distributor of giant screen IMAX documentary films and premium factual/unscripted television content, founded in 1996 by Bob Kresser and headquartered in El Segundo, California. The company operates a hybrid model combining theatrical giant screen releases with extensive non-theatrical distribution to science centers, museums, digital fulldome planetariums, 4D attraction theaters, and flying theaters, while also licensing premium factual content to television and streaming platforms worldwide. K2 was rebranded from K2 Communications to K2 Studios in 2024 and remains family-controlled, with the Kresser family in senior leadership roles (Bob Kresser as CEO, Mark Kresser as President, Ryan Kresser as EVP Television), supported by a small team of 1-10 employees with additional staff based in Canada and China.
The company's core product is a deep content catalog accumulated over 25+ years, including more than 80 giant screen films, 100+ films for museum cinema, close to 200 fulldome shows, hundreds of hours of 4K/8K content, and thousands of hours of additional factual/unscripted content. Distribution spans multiple formats and venues: IMAX and giant screen theaters, science centers and natural history museums, digital 3D and 4D theaters, fulldome planetariums, broadcast television (HD, SD, 3D, 4K UHD, 8K), streaming platforms, and ancillary channels including hotels and airlines. K2 pioneered brand integration in giant screen IMAX documentary films and was an early mover in extending IMAX-format content into non-theatrical and on-demand channels.
The business model is B2B, monetized through four primary revenue streams: giant screen film licensing royalties to theaters and science centers, TV/streaming content licensing royalties to broadcasters and platforms (including the EarthDay 365 FAST channel on PlutoTV, Amazon Prime, Roku Channel, and LG Europe), brand integration and sponsorship (a model K2 helped pioneer in the genre), and FAST channel advertising revenue. Primary customer segments are science centers/museums and television/streaming platforms, with secondary segments in educational institutions and brands/non-profits. Strategic partners include MGM Television (co-production, first-look, and distribution), Stingray (FAST channel AVOD), Pamela Anderson (co-owner of EarthDay 365), and content partners such as NASA, NOAA, the National Science Foundation, the American Museum of Natural History, and Definition Films (Australia). Revenue is not publicly disclosed and the company has no external institutional investment evidenced.
K2 Communications firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- K2 Communications
- Legal name
- K2 Studios
- Website
- https://k2studios.us
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- K2 Studios is a 1996-founded producer-distributor of giant screen IMAX documentary films and premium factual television, distributing 80+ giant screen films and ~200 fulldome shows to science centers, museums, broadcasters, and streaming platforms worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
K2 Communications industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Documentary Film Production & Distribution
- NAICS
- Motion Picture and Video Production (512110), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (51212), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (512120)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822), Services-Allied To Motion Picture Distribution (7829)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Business, Politics & Current Affairs Documentaries (MPADADAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Alternative Content Exhibition (Live Broadcasts, Concert Films, Sports, Opera) (MPADAKAG)
Keywords
Where K2 Communications is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- El Segundo
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
K2 Communications business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Giant Screen Film Licensing: Licensing of IMAX/Giant Screen documentary films to theaters, science centers, and museums worldwide for theatrical exhibition.
- TV and Streaming Distribution: Distribution of premium factual and unscripted content to television and streaming platforms globally, including FAST channels.
- Brand Integration and Sponsorship: Partner integration opportunities in films with measurable impact for brands and non-profits, including seamless partner integration and multi-channel media distribution.
- FAST Channel Revenue: EarthDay 365 FAST channel generates advertising revenue from free ad-supported television distribution on connected TV platforms.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels5 records
K2 Communications product offering
Product offeringCore offering
K2 Studios is a producer-distributor of Giant Screen IMAX documentary films and premium factual/unscripted television content. The company finances, produces, and distributes documentary films for IMAX/giant screen theaters, science centers, museums, digital fulldome planetariums, 4D attraction theaters, flying theaters, and TV/streaming platforms (including FAST channels) worldwide. It maintains a distribution catalog of more than 80 Giant Screen films, 100+ museum cinema films, and close to 200 fulldome shows.
Product overview
K2 Studios is a producer-distributor of Giant Screen IMAX® documentary films and premium TV/streaming content. The company operates as a content studio with multiple distribution channels: Giant Screen IMAX® Films (the core product for theatrical venues), TV/Streaming Content (hundreds of factual titles in 8K, 4K, and HD), EarthDay 365 (a FAST streaming channel co-owned with Pamela Anderson), and Fulldome Planetarium/4D Theater Distribution (expanding reach beyond giant screens). The company also holds one of the largest libraries of IMAX-format films, with more than 80 Giant Screen films and close to 200 fulldome shows in distribution.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- EarthDay 365: A free ad-supported television (FAST) channel dedicated to exploring and celebrating the world and those working toward a better future, featuring award-winning TV series, specials, IMAX documentary films, and premier original series. Available on PlutoTV, Amazon Prime, the Roku Channel, and LG Europe.
Products and services
- Giant Screen IMAX Films Production and distribution of documentary films for IMAX and giant screen theaters worldwide, featuring high-resolution visuals on wildlife, nature, space, and science topics. Licensed to science centers, museums, and theatrical venues globally.
- TV/Streaming Content Premium factual and unscripted television content licensed to broadcasters, streaming platforms, and FAST channels worldwide in 8K, 4K, and HD formats.
- EarthDay 365 FAST Channel Free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel co-owned with Pamela Anderson, dedicated to environmental and nature content including award-winning TV series, specials, IMAX documentary films, and original series.
- Fulldome Planetarium Distribution Distribution of digital fulldome shows to planetariums and immersive dome theaters worldwide, with a catalog of close to 200 shows.
- 4D and Attraction Theater Distribution Distribution of content to 4D attraction theaters, digital 3D theaters, and flying theaters, expanding the reach of K2's content beyond traditional giant screen venues.
- K2 Studios Film Catalog Comprehensive distribution catalog of giant screen films and premium factual content available for licensing to theatrical, institutional, and broadcast distribution channels.
Companies that use K2 Communications
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
K2 Communications technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
K2 Communications partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- StingraycorePartnership with Stingray on EarthDay 365 FAST channel and AVOD offering for distribution on connected TV platforms.
- Pamela AndersoncorePamela Anderson is co-owner of EarthDay 365 FAST channel in partnership with K2 Studios and Stingray, dedicated to exploring and celebrating the world and those working toward a better future.
- MGM TelevisioncoreStrategic partnership, co-production, first look and distribution deal with MGM enabling K2 to greatly expand production of premium unscripted television series and documentaries for broadcasters and streamers. Deal included completion funding for new documentary TV series and non-theatrical library distribution.
- Definition Films (Australia)coreStrategic partnership with Australian partner Definition Films for co-production. K2 has more than 15 films in production or development with Definition and other partners.
- CERNminorRolf Landua, PhD, Head of Education at CERN provided testimonial for Secrets of the Universe film, describing it as crucial for engaging young people in scientific endeavors.
- NASAcorePartnered with NASA for documentary productions including Space: The New Frontier.
- NOAAcorePartnered with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) for ocean and marine science documentary content.
- National Science FoundationcorePartnered with National Science Foundation for science documentary productions.
- Lyda Hill PhilanthropiesminorPartnered with Lyda Hill Philanthropies for documentary projects.
- ToyotaminorCorporate brand partner for documentary content.
- SuzukiminorSuzuki Automotive provided $7mm in sponsorship funding for Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D film, featuring 11x world champion surfer Kelly Slater.
- BoeingminorBoeing partnered with K2 for Adventures in Wild California IMAX film and other joint productions. Pat Riddle, Director of Advertising and Brand Management at Boeing Defense, Space & Security provided testimonial praising K2's professionalism.
- Visit CaliforniaminorVisit California partnered with K2 for Adventures in Wild California IMAX film. Caroline Beteta, President & CEO called it the single highest impact project the commission has ever undertaken.
- QuiksilverminorStrategic marketing partnership with Quiksilver for Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D film.
- American Museum of Natural HistorycoreK2 acquired American Museum of Natural History's new fulldome show Encounters in the Milky Way (narrated by Pedro Pascal) to its extensive fulldome catalog.
- PlutoTVcoreDistribution platform for EarthDay 365 FAST channel on connected TV.
- Amazon PrimecoreDistribution platform for EarthDay 365 FAST channel on connected TV.
- Roku ChannelcoreDistribution platform for EarthDay 365 FAST channel on connected TV.
- LG EuropecoreDistribution platform for EarthDay 365 FAST channel on connected TV.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
K2 Communications competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- MacGillivray Freeman Films: MacGillivray Freeman Films is the largest independent producer of IMAX and giant screen documentary films, with a similar focus on nature, science, and cultural subjects distributed to science centers, museums, and IMAX theaters worldwide. It is the closest direct competitor to K2 Studios in the giant screen documentary niche.
- Silverback Films: Silverback Films is a UK-based independent production company specializing in premium nature and science documentary series (Our Planet, David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet) distributed to global streamers. It is a directly comparable peer in subject matter, production values, and target buyers.
- NHNZ (Natural History New Zealand): NHNZ is an independent producer of premium factual, wildlife, and nature documentary content supplying broadcasters and streamers globally. It is a directly comparable peer in production approach, subject matter, and B2B distribution model.
- Off the Fence: Off the Fence is an independent production company producing premium factual, nature, and science documentary content for global broadcasters and streamers, including theatrical-grade work. It is directly comparable to K2 in scale, genre focus, and distribution model.
Broad incumbents
- IMAX Corporation: IMAX Corporation operates the dominant IMAX exhibition network globally and produces and co-finances IMAX-format documentaries, including nature and science titles. As a vertically integrated incumbent, IMAX both competes with K2 as a content producer and controls key exhibition venues that license K2's films, making it a hybrid competitor/partner.
- National Geographic Studios: National Geographic Studios produces premium nature, wildlife, and science documentary content for both theatrical IMAX/giant screen release and global TV/streaming distribution. It is directly comparable to K2 in subject matter (nature, science, exploration) and increasingly competes in the same premium factual streaming space.
- BBC Studios Natural History Unit: BBC Studios' Natural History Unit is the world's pre-eminent producer of premium nature and science documentaries (Planet Earth, Blue Planet, etc.) distributed to global broadcasters, streamers, and theatrical/IMAX release. It is a broad incumbent in the same premium factual content category where K2 operates and competes for talent, IP, and platform demand.
- Disneynature: Disneynature produces theatrical nature documentaries and streams them on Disney+, frequently with celebrity narration and premium production values. It competes with K2 for cinema audiences, narration talent, and streaming platform demand in the same nature/wildlife category.
Others
- Definition Films: Definition Films is an Australian production company with a strategic co-production partnership with K2 Studios, with more than 15 films jointly in production or development. It is included as a peer because of its deeply integrated operating relationship with K2, though it does not directly compete in the same exhibition/distribution channels.
Emerging players
- PBS Nature (WTTW Chicago / WNET): PBS Nature is a long-running US public television nature documentary strand produced by WTTW Chicago, distributed to PBS stations and PBS Video, with educational and institutional reach. It is an emerging/educational peer in nature documentary distribution, with overlap in institutional/school audiences that K2 also serves through its science center channel.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
K2 Communications social profiles
Digital presenceK2 Communications financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
K2 Communications leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
K2 Communications funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
K2 Communications M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about K2 Communications
What does K2 Communications do?
K2 Studios is a producer-distributor of Giant Screen IMAX documentary films and premium factual/unscripted television content. The company finances, produces, and distributes documentary films for IMAX/giant screen theaters, science centers, museums, digital fulldome planetariums, 4D attraction theaters, flying theaters, and TV/streaming platforms (including FAST channels) worldwide. It maintains a distribution catalog of more than 80 Giant Screen films, 100+ museum cinema films, and close to 200 fulldome shows.
Is K2 Communications a public or private company?
K2 Communications is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was K2 Communications founded?
K2 Communications was founded in 1996. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is K2 Communications based?
K2 Communications is headquartered in El Segundo, United States, in the North America region.
How does K2 Communications make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Giant Screen Film Licensing is the primary driver. The others are TV and Streaming Distribution, brand Integration and Sponsorship and FAST Channel Revenue.
Who are K2 Communications's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are MacGillivray Freeman Films, Silverback Films, NHNZ (Natural History New Zealand) and Off the Fence. Broad incumbents are IMAX Corporation, National Geographic Studios, BBC Studios Natural History Unit and Disneynature. Definition Films is listed as an others. PBS Nature (WTTW Chicago / WNET) is listed as an emerging player.
Does K2 Communications have an API?
No public API is recorded for K2 Communications.
What industry is K2 Communications in?
K2 Communications's product category is Documentary Film Production & Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPADADAJ, Business, Politics & Current Affairs Documentaries, with a secondary code of MPADAKAG, Alternative Content Exhibition (Live Broadcasts, Concert Films, Sports, Opera). Its NAICS code is 512110 and its SIC code is 7812.