Black Bear, the independent studio behind Sydney Sweeney’s boxing drama “Christy,” has hired Bianca Parkes as Head of Marketing and Heather Phillips as Head of Publicity. The appointments come as the company expands its U.S. theatrical distribution efforts. Parkes joins from Neon, where she led creative campaigns for Academy Award-winning films and popular genre titles. Phillips brings extensive experience from her work at 20th Century Fox and Miramax. Both will report to Benjamin Kramer, President of U.S. Distribution at Black Bear. The new hires are expected to strengthen Black Bear's marketing and publicity operations as it grows its presence in the theatrical market. The company did not disclose the start dates for Parkes and Phillips.