Stick Figure
Stick Figure Productions is an independent documentary production company that develops feature documentaries, documentary series, and short-form films distributed via major streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Paramount+, HBO Max, Hulu) and broadcast networks (PBS, ESPN).
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1998
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Stick Figure does
Stick Figure Productions is an independent documentary and film production company that develops, produces, and arranges distribution for feature documentaries, documentary series, and short-form films. The company has produced more than 45 documentary titles across genres including music, sports, true crime, arts, dance, and social issues, with subjects ranging from Willie Nelson and Arthur Ashe to Renée Elise Goldsberry and Trey Anastasio. Its go-to-market is event-driven: titles premiere at prestige film festivals (Tribeca, SXSW, Hamptons International Film Festival, Los Angeles Independent Film Festival) to build critical positioning before being licensed or commissioned by distribution partners.
Commercial monetization operates through four streams: licensing of completed documentaries and series to SVOD platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, HBO Max, Hulu, YouTube Originals); licensing to broadcast and cable networks (PBS American Masters, ESPN Films, MSG Networks, FiveThirtyEight); theatrical distribution for select features (e.g., Fox Searchlight Pictures for 'STEP') followed by digital storefront sales via iTunes and Amazon; and nominal award/recognition ancillary value (e.g., 2000 L.A. Independent Film Festival Audience Award). Recent commercial evolution is toward platform-funded Original commissions rather than purely buy-side licensing, with Amazon Prime Originals ('Hip Hop World') and Paramount+ Original ('Born In Synanon') executed in 2023–2024.
The company has no disclosed technology platform, no app, no API, and no proprietary software stack; the production apparatus is built on creative talent rather than technology, with director Steven Cantor serving as a recurring creative collaborator across multiple titles. Customer base is concentrated among a handful of large content buyers (SVODs, broadcasters, cable networks), and there is no public pricing, subscription, or direct-to-consumer offering — revenue accrues through project-by-project licensing terms that are not publicly disclosed.
Stick Figure firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Stick Figure
- Legal name
- Stick Figure
- Website
- https://stickfigureproductions.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1998
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Stick Figure Productions is an independent documentary production company that develops feature documentaries, documentary series, and short-form films distributed via major streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Paramount+, HBO Max, Hulu) and broadcast networks (PBS, ESPN).
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Stick Figure industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Documentary Film Production
- NAICS
- Motion Picture and Video Production (512110)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Docuseries & Episodic Nonfiction (TV/Streaming) (MPADADAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Unscripted/Reality TV Production (Live-Action) (MPADABAC), Business, Politics & Current Affairs Documentaries (MPADADAJ), Social Issue & Advocacy Documentaries (MPADADAG), Live-Action Short-Form Production (Short Films, Web Series) (MPADABAE)
Keywords
Where Stick Figure is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Stick Figure business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Streaming Platform Licensing: Licensing documentary and series content to major streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Paramount+, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube Originals for distribution rights.
- Television Network Licensing: Licensing content to television networks including PBS (American Masters series), ESPN Films, FiveThirtyEight, MSG Networks, and FOX Searchlight Pictures for broadcast rights.
- Theatrical Distribution: Theatrical releases of feature documentaries with subsequent home video and digital distribution through iTunes, Amazon, and other platforms.
- Festival Awards and Recognition: Generating revenue through award prize money and recognition from film festivals including Tribeca, SXSW, Los Angeles Independent Film Festival, and others.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels3 records
Stick Figure product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Stick Figure Productions is a documentary and film production company that produces feature documentaries, documentary series, and short-form documentaries across genres such as music, sports, true crime, arts, culture, and social issues. The company licenses the resulting content to major streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, HBO Max, Hulu, YouTube Originals), television networks (PBS, ESPN Films, MSG Networks), and film distributors (Fox Searchlight Pictures). Productions are typically launched through film festival premieres at Tribeca and SXSW before securing broader distribution deals.
Product overview
Stick Figure Productions is a documentary and film production company that creates feature documentaries, documentary series, and short films. The company produces content across multiple distribution platforms including major streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Paramount+, Hulu, HBO Max), broadcast networks (PBS, ESPN, MSG Networks), and digital platforms (YouTube Originals). The portfolio spans diverse subject matters including music, sports, true crime, arts, culture, and social issues. The company works with notable partners including Fox Searchlight Pictures, FiveThirtyEight, ESPN Films, and American Masters Pictures.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- I'm Your Venus A documentary following the unsolved murder of Venus Xtravaganza, star of the legendary Paris Is Burning, as her two families — biological and ballroom — come together to seek answers and celebrate her legacy. Distributed to streaming and broadcast partners.
- Satisfied An intimate look at actress Renée Elise Goldsberry and her struggle to have a family while balancing a career in Hamilton. Distributed to streaming and broadcast partners.
- Hip Hop World An Amazon Prime Original documentary series following today's biggest hip hop artists on an international journey, with host Lenny S. and featuring DJ Khaled and Lola Brooke creating new tracks inspired by cities they explore.
- Born In Synanon A Paramount+ Original documentary series following the rise and fall of the infamous Synanon cult, told from the perspective of a courageous mother, daughter, and their community.
- Citizen Ashe Feature documentary exploring the legacy of tennis legend and humanitarian Arthur Ashe, charting his personal evolution from Grand Slam champion to global activist against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, South African apartheid, and the AIDS epidemic. Distributed via Magpictures.
- Found Feature documentary in which three adopted American teenage girls discover they are blood-related cousins and journey to China in search of answers, connections, and their lost history. Distributed on Netflix.
- Relentless True crime documentary series following Christina Fontana's search for her missing 21-year-old sister Christina Whittaker in Hannibal, Mo.
- Twyla Moves Intimate documentary portrait of dancer and choreographer Twyla Tharp's storied career and her intensive creative process, featuring never-before-seen interviews and select performances from her library of 160-plus choreographed works. Co-produced with American Masters Pictures.
- When Claude Got Shot Documentary following three African-American families confronting gun violence after a carjacking incident in which Claude Motley is shot and his teenage assailant is later shot by nurse Victoria Davison.
- 30 Days With: Why Don't We YouTube Original multi-episode documentary giving a behind-the-scenes, 30-day snapshot of the band Why Don't We as they prepared to release their album The Good Times and The Bad Ones.
- Stay Home With: Yungblud YouTube Original four-episode limited series following music star Yungblud and four friends — his manager, videographer, and two bandmates — through a month quarantined at a rental apartment in Los Angeles, writing new songs and filming an at-home music video.
- Hood River Coming-of-age feature documentary about a high school soccer team in a small Oregon community struggling to overcome class and racial divide, following teammates Domingo and Eric and their coach Riviera. Distributed on HBO Max.
- Between Me and My Mind Documentary about Phish frontman Trey Anastasio and his most personal music to date, as well as Phish's ambitious New Year's Eve show at Madison Square Garden. Distributed via iTunes, Amazon, and InDemand.
- What Will Become of Us Documentary following Sir Frank Lowy, the self-made billionaire and founder of Westfield Corporation, as he faces the decision of whether to sell the company he spent his life building and reflects on his war-torn childhood.
- Ballet Now Documentary providing a rarely seen, unfiltered glimpse into the world of ballet, following New York City Ballet's Prima Ballerina Tiler Peck as she curates The Music Center's famed BalletNOW program. Distributed on Hulu.
- STEP Feature documentary chronicling the senior year of a girls' high-school step dance team in inner-city Baltimore as they chase a step championship and college acceptances. Distributed theatrically by Fox Searchlight Pictures.
- Dancer Feature documentary about Sergei Polunin, the Royal Ballet's youngest ever principal who walked away from ballet at age 25.
- Charlotte OC - Medicine Man (Pointe to Pop) Music video for Charlotte OC's 'Medicine Man' (also known as 'Pointe to Pop'), featuring Tiler Peck, directed by Steven Cantor with choreography by Christopher Wheeldon.
- Chasing Tyson Documentary about the rivalry between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield in heavyweight boxing.
- No One Dies in Lily Dale Documentary capturing visitors making a pilgrimage to Lily Dale, the largest spiritualist community in the world.
- Willie Nelson: Still is Still Moving In-depth documentary about singer-songwriter Willie Nelson's life and career, kicking off the seventeenth season of PBS American Masters series.
- Bounce: Behind the Velvet Rope Documentary exploring the world of nightclub bouncers. Winner of the Audience Award for Best Feature Film at the 2000 Los Angeles Independent Film Festival.
- Clyde's New York Half-hour documentary for MSG Networks celebrating legendary New York Knick Walt 'Clyde' Frazier's 70th birthday.
- The Collectors Series of 10 short documentaries from FiveThirtyEight and ESPN Films profiling people who collect data.
- By The Numb3rs Short documentary from FiveThirtyEight and ESPN Films about personal trainer and data analyst Justin Zormelo.
- The Mask with Henrik Lundqvist Five-episode documentary series in which New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist designs goalie masks with celebrity guests for charity.
- Family Bonds Documentary series following the Evangelista family's work at All City Bail Bonds in New York.
- I Am an Animal: The Story of Ingrid Newkirk and PETA Documentary providing an inside look at PETA President Ingrid Newkirk's daily life and work for animal rights.
- Devil's Playground Documentary examining Amish teenagers during Rumspringa as they explore the outside world.
- Blood Ties: The Life and Work of Sally Mann Documentary examining the lives and voices behind photographer Sally Mann's compelling and controversial photographs.
- What Remains Documentary about photographer Sally Mann's series on death and decay, filmed at her Virginia farm.
- loudQUIETloud: A Film About the Pixies Documentary following the reformation and reunion tour of The Pixies.
- Unraveled Documentary about prominent Manhattan attorney Marc Dreier and his massive fraud scheme.
- Cutthroat Documentary about NHL goalie Clint Malarchuk and his recovery from one of the most gruesome injuries in sports.
- Spyball Documentary about Moe Berg, a Major League Baseball player who became an espionage agent for the US government.
- Storytime with Ozzie Guillen Documentary short featuring Ozzie Guillen discussing his minor league baseball rivalry.
- Reporter 2009 HBO documentary about New York Times columnist Nicholas D. Kristof's work in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Repossessed! Series following Larry Pittman and his team of recovery specialists tracking down debtors throughout the tri-state area.
- Amish: Out of Order 10-episode documentary following those who have chosen to leave Amish communities for more freedom.
- Amish in the City Reality documentary series following Amish youths living in Hollywood Hills with American teens during Rumspringa.
- Catching Hell Series following the world's most skillful spearfishermen in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Spike Lee's Lil' Joints: And of the Son ESPN short film about David Robinson, youngest child of civil rights hero Jackie Robinson, and his life as a farmer in Africa.
Quantifiable outcome
- 45+ documentary films and series produced and distributed
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Stick Figure
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Stick Figure technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Stick Figure partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Tribeca FestivalcoreFilm festival partnership for premiering documentaries. 'I'm Your Venus' and 'Satisfied' premiered at Tribeca Festival 2024.
- NetflixcoreStreaming distribution partner for documentary films including 'Found' (Netflix)
- Amazon Prime VideocoreStreaming distribution partner for documentary series including 'Hip Hop World' available on Amazon Prime
- Paramount+coreStreaming distribution partner for P+ Original documentary series including 'Born In Synanon'
- HBO MaxcoreStreaming distribution partner for documentary films including 'Hood River'
- HulucoreStreaming distribution partner for documentary films including 'STEP' and 'Ballet Now'
- PBScoreBroadcast television partner for American Masters series. 'Willie Nelson: Still is Still Moving' kicked off the seventeenth season of PBS American Masters.
- ESPN FilmscoreProduction partner for sports documentary series including 'The Collectors' (FiveThirtyEight and ESPN Films) and 'By The Numb3rs'
- YouTube OriginalscoreDistribution partner for YouTube Originals documentary series including '30 Days With: Why Don't We' and 'Stay Home With: Yungblud'
- American Masters PicturescoreCo-production partner for 'Twyla Moves' documentary in association with American Masters Pictures
- FOX Searchlight PicturescoreDistribution partner for 'STEP' documentary (2017) released through Fox Searchlight Pictures
- MSG NetworksminorTelevision network partner for 'Clyde's New York' documentary about Walt 'Clyde' Frazier for MSG Networks
- MagpicturesminorDistribution partner for 'Citizen Ashe' available to watch at home through Magpictures
- Robert RodriguezminorExecutive producer for 'Hood River' documentary film that premiered at SXSW 2020
- Steven CantorcoreRecurring director and creative partner on multiple Stick Figure productions including 'Twyla Moves', 'Willie Nelson: Still is Still Moving', 'Bounce: Behind the Velvet Rope', 'Hood River', and 'Charlotte OC - Medicine Man'
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Stick Figure competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- XTR: Documentary production and streaming platform that produces and distributes original documentaries. Comparable to Stick Figure as a documentary specialist competing for the same platform commissions and audience.
- Magnolia Pictures: Independent film distribution and production company with a strong documentary slate (including Citizen Ashe, distributed by Magpictures for Stick Figure). Comparable as a documentary-friendly distributor and producer working with festival-premiered titles.
- Dogwoof: Global documentary sales, distribution, and production company. Comparable to Stick Figure as a documentary specialist handling theatrical, SVOD, and broadcast distribution across multiple genres.
- Kartemquin Films: Independent documentary production company producing social-issue and arts documentaries for PBS, Netflix, and theatrical distribution. Comparable to Stick Figure in operating model, nonprofit-adjacent ethos, and reliance on major distribution partners.
- Participant: Independent media company producing socially impactful documentary and narrative films for streaming platforms and theatrical release. Directly comparable to Stick Figure as a documentary-led producer whose titles appear on Netflix, Amazon, and other major buyers.
- Imagine Documentaries: Documentary production arm of Imagine Entertainment producing premium nonfiction for streamers and networks. Highly comparable to Stick Figure in output type, buyer mix (Netflix, HBO, etc.), and genre diversity.
Broad incumbents
- NEON: Independent film production and distribution company with active documentary acquisitions. Comparable to Stick Figure in the documentary acquisition/distribution space, though NEON is broader and larger in scale.
- PBS Distribution: Distribution arm of PBS handling American Masters and other documentary series. Comparable as Stick Figure's broadcast partner for American Masters titles and a documentary distribution counterparty.
- CNN Films: Television-network-affiliated documentary production unit commissioning and producing feature documentaries for HBO/CNN audiences. Comparable to Stick Figure as a documentary production entity serving broadcast and streaming buyers.
- A24: Independent entertainment company producing and distributing film, TV, and documentary. Overlaps with Stick Figure in documentary production and distribution, though A24 is broader-in-portfolio and significantly larger.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Stick Figure social profiles
Digital presenceStick Figure financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Stick Figure leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Stick Figure funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Stick Figure 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 Stick Figure
What does Stick Figure do?
Stick Figure Productions is a documentary and film production company that produces feature documentaries, documentary series, and short-form documentaries across genres such as music, sports, true crime, arts, culture, and social issues. The company licenses the resulting content to major streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, HBO Max, Hulu, YouTube Originals), television networks (PBS, ESPN Films, MSG Networks), and film distributors (Fox Searchlight Pictures). Productions are typically launched through film festival premieres at Tribeca and SXSW before securing broader distribution deals.
Is Stick Figure a public or private company?
Stick Figure is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Stick Figure founded?
Stick Figure was founded in 1998. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Stick Figure based?
Stick Figure is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does Stick Figure make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Streaming Platform Licensing is the primary driver. The others are television Network Licensing, theatrical Distribution and festival Awards and Recognition.
Who are Stick Figure's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are XTR, Magnolia Pictures, Dogwoof, Kartemquin Films, Participant and Imagine Documentaries. Broad incumbents are NEON, PBS Distribution, CNN Films and A24.
Does Stick Figure have an API?
No public API is recorded for Stick Figure.
What industry is Stick Figure in?
Stick Figure's product category is Documentary Film Production. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPADADAB, Docuseries & Episodic Nonfiction (TV/Streaming), with a secondary code of MPADABAC, Unscripted/Reality TV Production (Live-Action). Its NAICS code is 512110 and its SIC code is 7812.