Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Definition and Limitations of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are designed to
reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange
Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s
rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial
officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls
and Procedures
The management of the Company, under the supervision and with the participation
of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures
(as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of March 31,
2021. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer have concluded that, as
of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to provide reasonable assurance that
information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed,
summarized and reported, on a timely basis, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures due to the
material weaknesses identified in our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2021.
Management’s Report on Internal
Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate
internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Management conducted an evaluation of
the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
Based on our evaluation, management concluded
that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of March 31, 2021 and identified the following material weaknesses:
● Financial Close Process : the Company did
not maintain an effective control environment related to the financial close process due to significant turnover of personnel in the accounting
function where there was an insufficient complement of personnel, contributing to:
○ the Company did not design and maintain effective controls over the financial close process including
timely and sufficient analysis of certain financial statement account balances;
○ the Company did not identify and evaluate certain transactions under the appropriate accounting literature;
and
○ the Company did not perform timely and sufficient analysis of certain financial statement account balances
as part of the financial close process.
● Information and Communication Controls : the Company did not design
and maintain effective controls regarding significant transaction cycles to ensure policies and procedures designed to mitigate the risks
to the achievement of objectives are carried out.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination
of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement
of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis. As this deficiency created
a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement would not be prevented or detected in a timely basis, management concluded that
the control deficiency represented a material weakness and accordingly our internal control over financial reporting was not effective
as of March 31, 2021. Management concluded that additional formal procedures should be implemented in the financial close and reporting
process to ensure that appropriate and timely reviews occur on all financial reporting analysis.
Management also concluded that due to employee
turnover within our corporate accounting group as of March 31, 2021, we did not have a sufficient complement of corporate personnel with
appropriate levels of accounting and controls knowledge and experience commensurate with our financial reporting requirements to appropriately
analyze, record and disclose accounting matters completely and accurately.
41
Remediation . Following identification
of this control deficiency, management is implementing modifications to better ensure that the Company has appropriate
and timely reviews on all financial reporting analysis. The material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting
will not be considered remediated until these modifications are implemented, in operation for a sufficient period of time, tested,
and concluded by management to be designed and operating effectively. In addition, as we continue to evaluate and work to improve our
internal control over financial reporting, management may determine to take additional measures to address control deficiencies or determine
to modify our remediation plan. Management will test and evaluate the implementation of these modifications to ascertain whether they
are designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance that they will prevent or detect a material misstatement in the
Company’s financial statements.
The steps we took to address the deficiencies
identified included:
● we
appointed an SVP Finance and Accounting;
● we have engaged in efforts to restructure accounting
processes and revise organizational structures to enhance accurate accounting and appropriate financial reporting;
● we
have hired additional experienced accounting personnel in the corporate office to enhance the application of accounting standards and
our financial closing and reporting process;
● we
have engaged external advisors to provide financial accounting and reporting assistance;
● we
will enhance information and communication processes through information technology solutions to ensure that information needed for financial
reporting is accurate, complete, relevant and reliable, and communicated in a timely manner; and
● we
plan to engage external advisors to evaluate and document the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting and assist with the remediation and implementation of our internal control function.
As noted above, we believe that, as a result of
management’s in-depth review of its accounting processes, and the additional procedures management has implemented, there are no
material inaccuracies or omissions of material fact in this Form 10-K and, to the best of our knowledge, we believe that the consolidated
financial statements in this Form 10-K fairly present in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations
and cash flows in conformity with GAAP.
We and our Board treat the controls surrounding,
and the integrity of, our financial statements with the utmost priority. Management is committed to the planning and implementation of
remediation efforts to address control deficiencies and any other identified areas of risk. These remediation efforts are intended to
both address the identified material weakness and to enhance our overall financial control environment. We are committed to maintaining
a strong internal control environment, and we believe the measures described above will strengthen our internal control over financial
reporting and remediate the material weakness we have identified. Our remediation efforts have begun, and we will continue to devote significant
time and attention to these remedial efforts. As we continue to evaluate and work to improve our internal control over financial
reporting, management may determine to take additional measures to strengthen controls or to modify the remediation plan described above,
which may require additional implementation time.
Changes
in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes, other than our remediation
efforts discussed above, in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended March 31,
2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
42
PART
III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Directors
Christopher
J. McGurk, 64 , has been the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since January 2011. Mr. McGurk was
the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Overture Films from 2006 until 2010 and also the Chief Executive Officer of Anchor Bay Entertainment,
which distributed Overture Films’ products to the home entertainment industry. From 1999 to 2005, Mr. McGurk was Vice Chairman
of the Board and Chief Operating Officer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (“MGM”), acting as the company’s lead operating
executive until MGM was sold for approximately $5 billion to a consortium of investors. Mr. McGurk joined MGM from Universal Pictures,
where he served in various executive capacities, including President and Chief Operating Officer, from 1996 to 1999. From 1988 to 1996,
Mr. McGurk served in several senior executive roles at The Walt Disney Studios, including Studios Chief Financial Officer and President
of The Walt Disney Motion Picture Group. Mr. McGurk currently serves on the board of IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (Pink:IDWM) and has previously
served on the boards of BRE Properties, Inc., DivX Inc., DIC Entertainment, Pricegrabber.com, LLC and MGM Studios, Inc. Mr. McGurk’s
extensive career in various sectors of the theatrical production and exhibition industry will provide the Company with the benefits of
his knowledge of and experience in this field, as well as his wide-spread contacts within the industry.
Fan
“Tom” Bu, 41 , has been a member of the Board since March 2020. He served as an Audit/Financial Director for Bison Finance
Group Ltd. (HK:00888) from June 2017 through May 2021. From October 2017 through June 2019, he was the Chief Financial Officer of Xynomic
Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc., f/k/a Bison Capital Acquisition Corp. (OTC:XYN). From December 2013 to May 2017, Mr. Bu served as an
audit manager at KPMG Huazhen LLC. From October 2010 to December 2013, Mr. Bu served as the audit manager at KPMG Advisory (China) Limited.
Mr. Bu graduated from Shandong Economic University with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Trade in June 2007 and graduated from
Ocean University of China with a Master’s Degree in Economics in June 2010. Mr. Bu is a certified public accountant in China (CICPA).
Mr. Bu is a designee of Bison in accordance with the Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Bison Agreement”) dated as of June 29,
2017, by and between the Company and Bison Entertainment Investment Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bison. Mr. Bu brings knowledge
of doing business in China, as well as financial and accounting experience, to the Board.
Peter
C. Brown, 62 , has been a member of the Board since September 2010. He is Chairman of Grassmere Partners, LLC, a private investment
firm, which he founded in 2009. Prior to founding Grassmere Partners, Mr. Brown served as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer
and President of AMC Entertainment Inc. (“AMC”), one of the world’s leading theatrical exhibition companies, from July
1999 until his retirement in February 2009. He joined AMC in 1990 and served as AMC’s President from January 1997 to July 1999
and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 1991 to 1997. Mr. Brown currently serves on the board of EPR Properties (NYSE:
EPR), a specialty real estate investment trust (REIT). Mr. Brown also serves as a director of CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL), a global leader
in communications, hosting, cloud and IT services. Past additional public company boards include: National CineMedia, Inc., Midway Games,
Inc., LabOne, Inc., and Protection One, Inc. Mr. Brown’s extensive experience in the theatrical exhibition and entertainment industry
and other public company boards provides the Board with valuable knowledge and insight relevant to the Company’s business.
Patrick
W. O’Brien , 74, has been a member of the Board since July 2015. He currently serves as the Managing Director & Principal
of Granville Wolcott Advisors, a company he formed in 2009 which provides business consulting, due diligence and asset management services
for public and private clients. From 2005 to 2009, Mr. O’Brien was a Vice President - Asset Management for Bentall-Kennedy Associates
Real Estate Counsel where he represented pension fund ownership interests in hotel real estate investments nationwide. Mr. O’Brien
has previously served as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Livevol, Inc., a private company that was a leader in equity and index options
technology which was successfully sold to CBOE Holdings. During the past five years, Mr. O’Brien has also served on the boards
of LVI Liquidation Corp., Creative Realities, Inc., ICPW Liquidation Trust, and Merriman Holdings, Inc. Mr. O’Brien brings to the
Board his seasoned executive and business expertise in private and public companies with an emphasis on financial analysis and business
development.
Peixin
Xu, 49 , has been a member of the Board since November 2017. Mr. Xu founded Bison, an investment company with a focus on the media
and entertainment, healthcare and financial service industries, in 2014 and has been serving as a partner and director since then. From
2013 to the present, Mr. Xu has been serving on the board of directors of Airmedia Group Inc. (Nasdaq: AMCN). Mr. Xu is a designee of
Bison in connection with the Bison Agreement. Mr. Xu brings to the Board investment experience, including in the media industry, in the
United States and in China.
43
Executive
Officers
The
Company’s executive officers are Christopher J. McGurk, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Gary S. Loffredo,
President, Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel, and Secretary, and Erick Opeka, Executive Vice
President and President of Cinedigm Digital Networks. Biographical information for Mr. McGurk is included above.
Gary
S. Loffredo, 56, has been the Company’s President since December 2020, Chief Operating Officer since February 2019, and General
Counsel and Secretary since October 2011. He had previously served as President of Digital Cinema since 2011, as Senior Vice President
- Business Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary since 2000, as Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer from June 2010 through December 2010,
and was a member of the Board from September 2000 - October 2015. From March 1999 to August 2000, he had been Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary of Cablevision Cinemas d/b/a Clearview Cinemas. Mr. Loffredo was an attorney at the law firm of Kelley Drye &
Warren LLP from September 1992 to February 1999. Having been with the Company since its inception and with Clearview Cinemas prior thereto,
Mr. Loffredo has over two decades of experience in the cinema exhibition industry, both on the movie theatre and studio sides, as well
as legal training and general business experience, which skills and understanding are beneficial to the Company. As part of his role
as Chief Operating Officer of the Company, the Company’s finance team reports directly to Mr. Loffredo.
Erick
Opeka, 47, has been the Company’s Chief Strategy Officer since December 2020 and President of Cinedigm Networks since joining
the Company in 2014, when, as EVP of Digital Networks, he oversaw the distribution of Cinedigm’s OTT networks online, as well as
on mobile devices, gaming consoles, and connected TVs. Mr. Opeka was integral in the development and launch of the Company’s flagship
digital first networks, further expanding the Company’s growth through landmark partnerships with leading platforms such as Sling
TV, XUMO, and Twitch, among others. Prior to joining Cinedigm, Mr. Opeka served as Senior Vice President and head of New Video Digital,
which he grew into the largest global aggregator of independent digital content for more than 850 content partners including A&E
Networks, The Jim Henson Company, Berman Braun, and others.
Key
Employees
The
Company’s key employee, other than executive officers, Yolanda Macías, Chief Content Officer of Cinedigm Entertainment Group.
Yolanda
Macías , 56, joined Cinedigm in 2013 and has been the Chief Content Officer of Cinedigm Entertainment Group since December
2020, in connection with which she is responsible for acquiring global content rights for all distribution and streaming platforms and
oversees all third party digital sales and marketing. Previously, Ms. Macías has over 25 years of entertainment distribution experience,
including executive positions at Vivendi/Universal from 2004 to 2012, DIRECTV from 1996 to 2003, and The Walt Disney Company from 1992
to 1995.
Delinquent
Section 16(a) Reports
Section
16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors, executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of
its Class A common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Commission and to furnish the Company with copies
of all such reports they file. Based on the Company’s review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations
from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that none of its directors, executive officers or persons who beneficially own more
than 10% of the Company’s Class A common stock failed to comply with Section 16(a) reporting requirements during the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2021 (the “Last Fiscal Year”), except for Mr. Xu, who had multiple late Form 4 filings reporting multiple
transactions, and Mr. Brown and Mr. O’Brien, each of whom had one late Form 4 filing reporting one transaction.
Code
of Business Conduct and Ethics
We
have adopted a code of ethics applicable to all members of the Board, executive officers and employees. Such code of ethics is available
on our Internet website, www.cinedigm.com. We intend to disclose any amendment to, or waiver of, a provision of our code of ethics by
filing a Form 8-K with the SEC.
44
Shareholder
Communications
The
Board currently does not provide a formal process for stockholders to send communications to the Board. In the opinion of the Board,
it is appropriate for the Company not to have such a process in place because the Board believes there is currently not a need for a
formal policy due to, among other things, the limited number of stockholders of the Company. While the Board will, from time to time,
review the need for a formal policy, at the present time, stockholders who wish to contact the Board may do so by submitting any communications
to the Company’s Secretary, Mr. Loffredo, 237 West 35th Street, Suite 605, New York, NY 10001, with an instruction to forward the
communication to a particular director or the Board as a whole. Mr. Loffredo will receive the correspondence and forward it to any individual
director or directors to whom the communication is directed.
MATTERS
RELATING TO OUR GOVERNANCE
Board
of Directors
The
Board oversees the Company’s risk management including understanding the risks the Company faces and what steps management is taking
to manage those risks, as well as understanding what level of risk is appropriate for the Company. The Board’s role in the Company’s
risk oversight process includes receiving regular updates from members of senior management on areas of material risk to the Company,
including operational, financial, legal and regulatory, human resources, employment, and strategic risks.
The
Company’s leadership structure currently consists of the combined role of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and
a separate Lead Independent Director. Mr. O’Brien serves as our Lead Independent Director. The Lead Independent Director’s
responsibilities include presiding at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present, including executive sessions of
the independent directors, serving as a liaison between the Chairman and the independent directors, reviewing information sent to the
Board, consulting with the Nominating Committee with regard to the membership and performance evaluations of the Board and Board committee
members, calling meetings of and setting agendas for the independent directors, and serving as liaison for communications with stockholders.
The
Board intends to meet at least quarterly and the independent directors serving on the Board intend to meet in executive session (i.e.,
without the presence of any non-independent directors and management) immediately following regularly scheduled Board meetings. During
the Last Fiscal Year, the Board held five (5) meetings and acted sixteen (16) times by unanimous written consent in lieu of holding a
meeting. Each current member of the Board, who was then serving, attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board,
except for Mr. Xu, and of the committees of the Board on which they served in the Last Fiscal Year. No individual may be nominated for
election to the Board after his or her 73rd birthday. Messrs. Brown, Bu and O’Brien are considered “independent” under
the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq.
The
Company does not currently have a policy in place regarding attendance by Board members at the Company’s annual meetings.
The
Board has three standing committees, consisting of an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating Committee.
Audit
Committee
The
Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Brown, Bu and O’Brien. Mr. Brown is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee
held four (4) meetings in the Last Fiscal Year. The Audit Committee has met with the Company’s management and the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firm to review and help ensure the adequacy of its internal controls and to review the results
and scope of the auditors’ engagement and other financial reporting and control matters. Mr. Brown is financially literate, and
Mr. Brown is financially sophisticated, as those terms are defined under the rules of Nasdaq. Mr. Brown is also a financial expert, as
such term is defined under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Messrs. Brown, Bu and O’Brien are considered “independent”
under the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq.
The
Audit Committee has adopted a formal written charter (the “Audit Charter”). The Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring
that the Company has adequate internal controls and is required to meet with the Company’s auditors to review these internal controls
and to discuss other financial reporting matters. The Audit Committee is also responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight
of the auditors. Additionally, the Audit Committee is responsible for the review and oversight of all related party transactions and
other potential conflict of interest situations between the Company and its officers, directors, employees and principal stockholders.
The Audit Charter is available on the Company’s Internet website at www.cinedigm.com.
45
Compensation
Committee
The
Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Brown and O’Brien. Mr. O’Brien is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee met ten (10) times during the Last Fiscal Year and acted one (1) time by unanimous written consent in lieu
of holding a meeting. The Compensation Committee approves the compensation package of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and,
based on recommendations by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, approves the levels of compensation and benefits payable to
the Company’s other executive officers, reviews general policy matters relating to employee compensation and benefits and recommends
to the entire Board, for its approval, stock option and other equity-based award grants to its executive officers, employees and consultants
and discretionary bonuses to its executive officers and employees. The Compensation Committee has the authority to appoint and delegate
to a sub-committee the authority to make grants and administer bonus and compensation plans and programs. Messrs. Brown and O’Brien
are considered “independent” under the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq.
The
Compensation Committee has adopted a formal written charter (the “Compensation Charter”). The Compensation Charter sets forth
the duties, authorities and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Charter is available on the Company’s
Internet website at www.cinedigm.com.
The
Compensation Committee, when determining executive compensation (including under the executive compensation program, as discussed below
under the heading Compensation Discussion and Analysis), evaluates the potential risks associated with the compensation policies and
practices. The Compensation Committee believes that the Company’s compensation programs are designed with an appropriate balance
of risk and reward in relation to the Company’s overall compensation philosophy and do not encourage excessive or unnecessary risk-taking
behavior. In general, the Company compensates its executives in a combination of cash and equity awards. The equity awards contain either
or both performance targets and vesting provisions, both of which encourage the executives, on a long-term basis, to strive to enhance
the value of such compensation as measured by the trading price of the Class A common stock or other performance metrics. The Compensation
Committee does not believe that this type of compensation encourages excessive or unnecessary risk-taking behavior. As a result, we do
not believe that risks relating to our compensation policies and practices for our employees are reasonably likely to have a material
adverse effect on the Company. The Company intends to recapture compensation if and as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. However,
there have been no instances where it needed to recapture any compensation.
During
the Last Fiscal Year, the Compensation Committee engaged Aon, a compensation consulting firm. The consultant met with the Compensation
Committee multiple times during the Last Fiscal Year and provided guidance for cash and equity bonus compensation to executive officers
and directors, which the Compensation Committee considered in reaching its determinations of such compensation. In addition, the consultant
was available to respond to specific inquiries throughout the year.
Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The
Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs. Brown and O’Brien. Mr. O’Brien is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee.
None of such members was, at any time during the Last Fiscal Year or at any previous time, an officer or employee of the Company.
None
of the Company’s directors or executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any
other entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of the Company’s board of directors. No member
of the Compensation Committee had any relationship with us requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Securities and Exchange Commission
Regulation S-K.
Nominating
Committee
The
Nominating Committee consists of Messrs. Brown and O’Brien. Mr. Brown is the Chairman of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating
Committee held one (1) meeting during the Last Fiscal Year. The Nominating Committee evaluates and approves nominations for annual election
to, and to fill any vacancies in, the Board and recommends to the Board the directors to serve on committees of the Board. The Nominating
Committee also approves the compensation package of the Company’s directors. Messrs. Brown and O’Brien are considered “independent”
under the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq.
46
The
Nominating Committee has adopted a formal written charter (the “Nominating Charter”). The Nominating Charter sets forth the
duties and responsibilities of the Nominating Committee and the general skills and characteristics that the Nominating Committee employs
to determine the individuals to nominate for election to the Board. The Nominating Charter is available on the Company’s Internet
website at www.cinedigm.com.
The
Nominating Committee will consider any candidates recommended by stockholders. In considering a candidate submitted by stockholders,
the Nominating Committee will take into consideration the needs of the Board and the qualifications of the candidate. Nevertheless, the
Board may choose not to consider an unsolicited recommendation if no vacancy exists on the Board and/or the Board does not perceive a
need to increase the size of the Board.
There
are no specific minimum qualifications that the Nominating Committee believes must be met by a Nominating Committee-recommended director
nominee. However, the Nominating Committee believes that director candidates should, among other things, possess high degrees of integrity
and honesty; have literacy in financial and business matters; have no material affiliations with direct competitors, suppliers or vendors
of the Company; and preferably have experience in the Company’s business and other relevant business fields (for example, finance,
accounting, law and banking). The Nominating Committee considers diversity together with the other factors considered when evaluating
candidates but does not have a specific policy in place with respect to diversity.
Members
of the Nominating Committee meet in advance of each of the Company’s annual meetings of stockholders to identify and evaluate the
skills and characteristics of each director candidate for nomination for election as a director of the Company. The Nominating Committee
reviews the candidates in accordance with the skills and qualifications set forth in the Nominating Charter and the rules of the Nasdaq.
There are no differences in the manner in which the Nominating Committee evaluates director nominees based on whether or not the nominee
is recommended by a stockholder.
Stock
Ownership Guidelines
The
Board has adopted stock ownership guidelines for its non-employee directors, pursuant to which the non-employee directors are required
to acquire, within three (3) years, and maintain until separation from the Company, shares equal in value to a minimum of three (3) times
the value of the annual cash retainer (not including committee or per-meeting fees) payable to such director. Shares acquired as Board
retainer fees and shares owned by an investment entity with which a non-employee director is affiliated may be counted toward the stock
ownership requirement.
Environmental,
Social and Governance (ESG)
The
Company is committed to responsible and sustainable business practices. We are currently in the process of building our ESG strategy,
with the goal of transparently communicating about our most material ESG impacts and initiatives.
Sustainability
The
Company is committed to working in a responsible and sustainable way to produce as few negative environmental effects as possible from
our operations. Our core business does not result in any significant negative environmental effects. We note our leading role in the
conversion, starting in 2005, from using analog films, which had to be shipped to theatre destinations, causing greenhouse gas emissions
and ultimately waste of the film after use, to digital projection of virtually all major and independent studio films, which are now
electronically delivered to theatre destinations. In addition, our current CEG business concentrates on digital and streaming distribution
of content, which again is environmentally-friendly. This conversion and streaming approach significantly reduces the carbon footprint
associated with the film exhibition industry.
Social
We
are committed to diverse representation across all levels of our workforce to reflect the vibrant and thriving diversity of the communities
which make up our customers, stockholders and home communities. Fostering a work environment that is culturally diverse, inclusive and
equitable is important to us.
We
encourage our employees to give back to the community. In 2021, we initiated a Community Service Policy that provides paid time off to
employees volunteering with qualified charitable organizations or causes (which organizations or causes may not discriminate based on
creed, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy or any other legally
protected classification). In addition, we have implemented a summer internship program in conjunction with C5 Youth Foundation of Southern
California, a non-profit inner-city youth program. This 8-week program will provide for four college students to rotate through four
departments at Cinedigm.
47
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This
section describes the compensation program and related decisions for our Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) in our fiscal
year ended March 31, 2021 (“Fiscal 2021”). As a “smaller reporting company,” as that term is defined under
SEC rules, we are not required to include a “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and are permitted to exclude certain executive
compensation tables from our disclosure.
We
have elected to include this Compensation Discussion & Analysis (“CD&A”) as well as additional tables required under
Item 402 of Regulation S-K on a voluntary basis. As permitted under Item 402, we are not including pay ratio disclosure in light of our
status as a smaller reporting company. This CD&A is intended to be read in conjunction with the tables beginning on page 50, which
provide historical compensation information for the following NEOs:
NEOs
Title
Christopher
J. McGurk
Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer
Gary
S. Loffredo
President,
Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary
Erick
Opeka
Chief
Strategy Officer and President of Cinedigm Digital Networks
Quick
CD&A Reference Guide
Compensation
Program Overview
Section
I
Compensation
Philosophy and Objectives
Section
II
Pay
Mix
Section
III
Competitive
Positioning
Section
IV
Elements
of Compensation
Section
V
Additional
Compensation Practices and Policies
Section
VI
I. Compensation
Program Overview
The
Company’s executive compensation program is designed to attract, motivate and retain highly skilled and experienced individuals
to attain the Company’s corporate goals. To do so, the program provides competitive compensation packages that motivate executive
officers, links pay to performance and aligns executive officers’ interests with those of the Company and its shareholders over
the long term.
The
executive compensation program for the NEOs is administered by the Compensation Committee, all of the members of which are independent.
The Compensation Committee annually reviews the executive compensation elements and assesses the integrity of the compensation program
as a whole to ensure that it continues to be aligned with the Company’s compensation objectives and supports the attainment of
Company goals.
As
the Company has evolved, so too has the compensation program. During the last several years, Cinedigm’s executive compensation
for NEOs has been transitioning to a more performance-oriented program. The Company aims to improve both shareholder returns and its
cash position. To help achieve these goals, the Compensation Committee has designed the compensation program to reward the Chief Executive
Officer (“CEO”) and other employees for achieving strategic goals and increasing shareholder value by linking a portion of
pay to performance through annual cash and equity, and long-term equity incentives.
48
The
compensation program generally consists of base salary, annual incentives, and long-term equity incentive compensation. In addition,
all of our NEOs receive some modest personal benefits and perquisites. Retirement benefits are accumulated through the Company’s
401(k) plan, which is open to all employees. The Company does not provide supplemental retirement benefits for NEOs. All of the NEOs
have employment agreements with the Company.
When
the Company does not meet performance targets or the share price does not increase, executive pay and payouts are affected. During Fiscal
2021, the Company made stock grants to employees, including the NEOs, to recognize extraordinary service contributions and loyalty to
the Company under difficult circumstances throughout the prior year. Such stock grants to the NEOs consisted of 320,000 shares to Mr.
McGurk, 125,000 shares to Mr. Loffredo and 125,000 shares to Mr. Opeka. In addition, during Fiscal 2021, certain Performance Stock Units
(“PSUs”) that were granted in 2018 and had vested were paid in shares, consisting of 320,000 to Mr. McGurk, 100,000 shares
to Mr. Loffredo and 100,000 shares to Mr. Opeka.
II. Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Cinedigm’s
executive compensation program is focused on enabling the Company to hire and retain qualified and motivated executives, motivating them
to meet its business needs and objectives. The executive compensation program has been designed around the following objectives:
● Provide
competitive compensation levels to enable the recruitment and retention of highly qualified executives.
● Strengthen
the link between pay and corporate and business unit performance encouraging and rewarding
excellence and contributions to support Cinedigm’s success.
● Align
the interests of executives with those of shareholders through grants of equity-based compensation
that promote increasing shareholder value and also provide opportunities for ongoing executive
share ownership.
An
overarching principle in delivering on these objectives is to ensure that compensation decisions are made in the Company’s best
financial interests such that incentive awards are both affordable and reasonable, taking into account Company performance and circumstances
and considering the interests of all stakeholders.
III.
Pay Mix
The
Company’s pay philosophy has evolved from an emphasis on fixed pay to one that is based on the belief that a substantial portion
of each executive’s compensation should be at risk and dependent upon performance. While the Compensation Committee has not adopted
a targeted mix of either long-term to short-term, fixed to variable, or equity and non-equity compensation, it has taken steps to increase
the portion of variable compensation. Steps in this direction include the continuation of the performance-based annual incentive program
(MAIP) and more regular equity grants.
IV.
Compensation Determination Process
The
Compensation Committee designs the executive compensation program with the intention of accomplishing the goals described above. In determining
executive compensation, the Compensation Committee obtains input and advice from its independent compensation consultant. The Compensation
Committee reviews and approves compensation and performance awards to the CEO and executive officers and considers financial, operational
and share price performance to determine appropriate executive compensation parameters. The Compensation Committee also considers the
results of the prior stockholders’ advisory vote on executive compensation. To date, the stockholders have approved, on a non-binding
advisory basis, of executive compensation.
Role
of the Independent Compensation Consultant
The
Compensation Committee has selected and retained Aon as its independent compensation consultant to assist it in the performance of its
duties and responsibilities. While the Compensation Committee took into consideration the review and recommendations of this independent
consultant when making decisions about the Company’s executive and director compensation practices, the Compensation Committee
ultimately made its own independent decisions about these matters.
49
Competitive
Assessment
The
Compensation Committee used comparative compensation information from a relevant group of peer companies as one of several factors considered
as part of setting compensation for our CEO and our other NEOs. The Compensation Committee has not defined a target pay positioning relative
to the peer group for the CEO or the other NEOs, nor does it commit to providing total compensation at a specific percentile or within
a specific pay range. During Fiscal 2021, Mr. McGurk’s employment agreement was extended and his base salary was moderately increased.
In connection with such extension, Mr. McGurk’s compensation was not significantly increased and accordingly the Compensation Committee
did not believe a new peer group comparison was necessary in connection therewith. However, also in Fiscal 2021, the Company entered
into a new employment agreement with Mr. Loffredo and amended Mr. Opeka’s employment agreement, both of which were in connection
with promotions. In connection therewith, the Compensation Committee developed a peer group with the assistance of Aon. The Compensation
Committee retains discretion in determining the nature and extent of the use of peer group data. The Compensation Committee periodically
reassesses the companies within the peer groups and makes changes as appropriate, considering mergers and acquisitions involving peer
companies, changes in the Company’s business and other factors.
In
connection with Mr. Loffredo’s and Mr. Opeka’s employment agreements, the Compensation Committee selected a peer group that
consisted of the following companies:
Avid
Technology
Leaf
Group Ltd.
Ballantyne
Strong, Inc.
Limelight
Networks, Inc.
Brightcove
Inc.
LiveXLive
Media, Inc.
Chicken
Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.
National
Cinemedia, Inc.
Dolphin
Entertainment, Inc.
NTN
Buzztime, Inc.
Gaia,
Inc.
Reading
International, Inc.
Glu
Mobile Inc.
RealNetworks,
Inc.
Harmonic
Inc.
TechTarget,
Inc.
IMAX
Corp.
TravelZoo
V.
Elements of Compensation
Compensation
for executive officers is comprised primarily of three main components:
● base
salary;
● annual
incentive awards; and
● long-term
incentive equity grants.
These
components support the core principles of our executive officer compensation philosophy of pay for performance and alignment of executive
officers’ interests with those of Cinedigm and its shareholders by emphasizing short- and long-term incentives. Our compensation
program encourages our employees to remain focused on both our short-term and long-term goals: our annual incentive (MAIP) measures and
rewards business and individual performance on an annual basis, while our equity awards typically vest in installments of several years
and increase in value with any share price appreciation, encouraging our executives to focus on the long-term performance of our company.
Base
Salary
Base
salaries are fixed compensation with the primary function of aiding in attraction and retention. Base salaries vary among executive officers,
and are individually determined according to each executive officer’s areas of responsibility, role and experience. The Compensation
Committee reviews the salaries for our NEOs periodically, as well as at the time of a promotion, change in responsibilities, or when
employment arrangements and/or agreements are renewed. Any increases are based on an evaluation of the performance of the Company and
the executive, the relative strategic importance of the position, market conditions, and competitive pay levels (though, as noted earlier,
the Compensation Committee does not target a specific percentile or range).
50
During
fiscal 2021, the Compensation Committee adjusted the base salary of all of the NEOs in connection with their employment agreement amendments
or new agreement.
Annual
Incentive Awards
The
annual cash incentive component aims to ensure that our executive officers are aligned in reaching our short- and long-term goals. Annual
cash incentives are designed to provide a significant pay-for-performance element of our executive compensation package, through the
formal performance-based MAIP. The MAIP incorporates predetermined, specific target award levels and performance metrics and goals that
the Compensation Committee deemed rigorous and challenging. The MAIP goals are critical to Cinedigm’s future success and are designed
to reward the collaboration across divisions and segments required to achieve corporate financial goals.
All
NEOs have a target bonus set at a fixed percentage of their base salary. The program also established threshold and maximum levels of
incentive awards defined as a percentage of a participant’s salary. The Compensation Committee generally establishes the individual
payout targets for each NEO based on the executive’s position, level of responsibility and a review of the competitive market.
Threshold,
target and maximum annual incentive opportunities for our NEOs for Fiscal 2021 were as follows:
MAIP
Potential Awards
Executive Officer
Threshold
Target
(as a % of base salary)
Maximum
Chris McGurk
37.5 %
100 %
150 %
Gary S. Loffredo
29 %
70 %
100 %
Erick Opeka
25 %
60 %
100 %
For
Fiscal 2021, the Compensation Committee established performance measures and goals set forth in the table below. The measures include
a Company and/or division component with a performance measure and an individual component. Mr. Loffredo and Mr. Opeka, who each led
a division in fiscal 2021, have a portion of their measurement determined by that division’s performance as compared to goals established
at the beginning of the fiscal year.
Company
Executive Officers
Cinedigm
Division
Individual
Chris McGurk
80 %
--
20 %
Gary Loffredo
60 %
20 %
20 %
Erick Opeka
60 %
20 %
20 %
We
do not disclose performance targets, division targets or individual goals, as we believe that such disclosure would result in competitive
harm. Based on our experience, we believe these targets were rigorous and challenging, and were set sufficiently high to provide incentive
to achieve a high level of performance. We believe it is difficult, although not unattainable, for the targets to be reached and, therefore,
no more likely than unlikely that the targets will be reached.
Long-Term
Incentive Awards
The
Compensation Committee uses equity-based compensation to reward future performance, as reflected by the market price of our shares and/or
other performance criteria. The Compensation Committee annually considers long-term incentive awards, for which it has the authority
to grant a variety of equity-based awards. The primary objective of such awards is to align the interests of executives with those of
the Company and its shareholders by offering incentives to achieve performance goals believed to be linked to increasing shareholder
value, increasing executive share ownership and fostering a long-term focus. In recent years, the earning and vesting of such awards
have been assessed and determined after fiscal year end in order to permit consideration of year-end performance.
51
We
currently maintain the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (“2017 Plan”). The 2017 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee.
Under the 2017 Plan, the Compensation Committee or the Board has authority to grant awards of non-qualified stock options, incentive
stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance
units, cash-based awards, or other stock-based awards to employees, non-employee directors, and third-party consultants.
The
Compensation Committee determines the executive officers’ equity-based awards, taking into account pay mix and the executive officer’s
contribution to Company performance. The mix of equity-based vehicles is structured to enhance the executive officers’ commitment
to increasing shareholder value.
Performance
Units
In
connection with the NEO employment agreement amendments or new arrangements during Fiscal 2021, under the 2017 Plan, the NEOs were awarded
new grants of performance units, subject to Earnings before Income Tax, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) targets
to be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Compensation Committee and such other terms as the Compensation Committee
shall determine, with 50% of such shares to vest based on such targets for the period April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 and the other 50%
of such shares to vest based on such targets for the period April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023. The Company was given discretion to pay
such awards in cash or in stock. Mr. McGurk was granted 250,000 performance units, Mr. Loffredo was granted 150,000 performance units,
and Mr. Opeka was granted 150,000 performance units.
SARs
In
connection with the NEO employment agreement amendments or new arrangements during Fiscal 2021, the Compensation Committee granted SARs
to the NEOs under the 2017 Plan. Mr. McGurk was granted 2,500,000 SARs, and Mr. Loffredo and Mr. Opeka were each granted 1,200,000 SARs.
The SARs granted to Mr. McGurk have an exercise price of $.54, and one-half (1/2) of which vested on November 19, 2020 and one-half (1/2)
of which will vest on March 31, 2023. The SARs granted to Mr. Loffredo have an exercise price of $.64 and will vest as follows: 500,000
SARs will vest on March 31, 2022, 500,000 SARS will vest on March 31, 2023, and 200,000 SARs will vest on June 30, 2023. The SARs granted
to Mr. Opeka have an exercise price of $.64 and will vest as follows: 500,000 SARs will vest on March 31, 2022, 500,000 SARS will vest
on March 31, 2023, and 200,000 SARs will vest on December 31, 2023.
VI.
Additional Compensation Arrangements, Policies and Practices
Mr.
McGurk’s Compensation Arrangements
Mr.
McGurk joined Cinedigm in January 2011 as CEO and Chairman of the Board. Accordingly, Mr. McGurk’s compensation package was created
in line with the Company’s current compensation philosophy of a base salary coupled with variable compensation including a large
portion of equity-based compensation, through stock options, linked to stock price performance. When negotiating Mr. McGurk’s employment
agreement, the Company sought to provide salary and bonus amounts that were in line with peer group amounts and that would provide incentive
for Mr. McGurk with a view toward increasing stockholder value.
A
summary of Mr. McGurk’s compensation package is located under the heading “Employment Agreements and Arrangements Between
the Company and Named Executives” of this Item 11.
Employment
Agreement with Mr. McGurk and Employment Arrangements for other NEOs
The
Company currently has employment agreements with Mr. McGurk, Mr. Loffredo and Mr. Opeka for retention during periods of uncertainty and
operational challenge. Additionally, the employment agreements include non-compete and non-solicitation provisions. The provisions for
severance benefits are at typical competitive levels. See “Employment Agreements and Arrangements Between the Company and Named
Executives” of this Item 11 for a description of the material terms of Messrs. McGurk’s, Loffredo’s and Opeka’s
employment agreements.
52
Personal
Benefits and Perquisites
In
addition to the benefits provided to all employees and grandfathered benefits (provided to all employees hired before January 1, 2005),
the CEO and NEOs are eligible for an annual physical and supplemental life insurance coverage of $200,000.
It
is the Company’s policy to provide minimal and modest perquisites to the CEO and NEOs. With the new employment arrangements, most
perquisites previously provided, including automobile allowances, have been eliminated.
Policy
on Deductibility of Compensation
Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million paid to certain executive officers
named in this proxy statement. Pursuant to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the
exemption from the deduction limit that was previously available for “performance-based compensation” is no longer available.
Consequently, for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017, all remuneration in excess of $1 million paid to a specified executive
will not be deductible. Given the Company’s net operating losses, Section 162(m) is not currently a material factor in designing
compensation.
Recoupment
(“Clawback”) Policy
The
Company intends to recapture compensation as currently required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. However, there have been no instances to
date where it needed to recapture any compensation.
Additionally,
we recognize that our compensation program will be subject to the forthcoming amendments to stock exchange listing standards required
by Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which requires that stock exchange listing standards be amended to require issuers to adopt a policy
providing for the recovery from any current or former executive officer of any incentive-based compensation (including stock options)
awarded during the three-year period prior to an accounting restatement resulting from material noncompliance of the issuer with financial
reporting requirements. We intend to adopt such a clawback policy which complies with all applicable standards when such rules are adopted.
Restriction
on Speculative Transactions
The
Company’s Insider Trading and Disclosure Policy restricts employees and directors of the Company from engaging in speculative transactions
in Company securities, including short sales, and discourages employees and directors of the Company from engaging in hedging transactions,
including “cashless” collars, forward sales, and equity swaps, that may indirectly involve short sales. Pre-clearance by
the Company is required for all equity transactions.
COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE REPORT
The
following report does not constitute soliciting material and is not considered filed or incorporated by reference into any other filing
by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The
Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis that precedes this Report as required by Item
402(b) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K. Based on its review and discussions with management, the Compensation Committee recommended
to the Board the inclusion of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis in this proxy statement.
The
Compensation Discussion and Analysis discusses the philosophy, principles, and policies underlying the Company’s compensation programs
that were in effect during fiscal 2021.
Respectfully
submitted,
The
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
Patrick
W. O’Brien, Chairman
Peter
C. Brown
53
Named
Executive Officers
The
following table sets forth certain information concerning compensation received by the Company’s NEOs, consisting of the Company’s
Chief Executive Officer and its two other most highly compensated individuals who were serving as executive officers at the end of the
Last Fiscal Year, plus up to two additional persons for whom disclosures would have been provided but for the fact that they were not
serving as executive officers at the end of the Last Fiscal Year, for services rendered in all capacities during the Last Fiscal Year.
SUMMARY
COMPENSATION TABLE
Name and Principal
Position (s)
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Stock
Awards
($)(1)
Option
Awards
($)(2)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(3)
All Other
Compensation
($)(4)
Total
($)
Christopher J. McGurk
2021
600,000
600,000
1,498,866
—
—
33,553
2,508,848
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
2020
600,000
—
—
—
—
31,722
631,722
2019
600,000
—
—
700,000
—
43,697
1,743,697
Gary S. Loffredo
2021
436,250
255,000
875,664
—
—
47,121
1,128,269
President, Chief Operating Officer,
2020
425,000
—
—
—
—
44,541
469,541
General Counsel and Secretary
2019
367,424
100,000
—
407,610
—
43,697
918,731
Erick Opeka
2021
343,750
113,750
875,664
—
—
33,553
911,023
Chief Strategy Officer and President of Digital Networks
2020
325,000
—
—
—
—
15,611
340,611
2019
292,295
100,000
—
355,000
—
7,537
754,831
(1) Includes
shares issued in November 2020 for fiscal year 2019 under performance share units (“PSUs”) to be paid during fiscal year
2021. See above for a description of the material terms of the PSUs.
(2) The
amounts in this column reflect the grant date fair value for all fiscal years presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions
used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 2 to the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal
years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, included in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Form 10-K”).
(3) The
amounts in this column reflect amounts earned under annual incentive awards. See below for a description of the material terms of the
annual incentive plan for each NEO.
(4) Includes
life and disability insurance premiums paid by the Company and certain medical expenses paid by the Company for each NEO, (a) for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2019: for Mr. McGurk, $1,107 and 42,590; for Mr. Loffredo, $1.107 and $42,590; and for Mr. Opeka, $830 and
$6,706, (b) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020: for Mr. McGurk, $1,104 and $30,618; for Mr. Loffredo, $1,104 and $43,437; and for
Mr. Opeka, $1,104 and $14,507, and (c) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021: for Mr. McGurk, $1,094 and $32,459; for Mr. Loffredo,
$1,094 and $46,027; and for Mr. Opeka, $1,094 and $32,459.
54
Employment
agreements and arrangements between the Company and Named Executive Officers
Christopher
J. McGurk . On August 22, 2013, the Company entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. McGurk (the “2013 McGurk Employment
Agreement”) which superseded his initial employment agreement, pursuant to which McGurk continued to serve as the Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company. The term of the 2013 McGurk Employment Agreement commenced on January 3, 2011 and ended
on March 31, 2017. Pursuant to the 2013 McGurk Employment Agreement, Mr. McGurk received an annual base salary of $600,000 subject to
annual reviews and increases in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee. Mr. McGurk was entitled to receive a bonus of $250,000.
In addition, Mr. McGurk was entitled to receive a retention bonus of $750,000, payable in three equal installments on March 31 of each
of 2015, 2016 and 2017 in cash or shares of Class A Common Stock, or a combination thereof, at the Compensation Committee’s discretion.
Under the MAIP, Mr. McGurk’s target bonus for fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017 was $600,000.
Also
pursuant to the 2013 McGurk Employment Agreement, Mr. McGurk received a grant of non-statutory options to purchase 1,500,000 shares of
Common Stock, which options have an exercise price of $1.40 and a term of ten (10) years, and one-third (1/3) of which vested on March
31 of each of 2015, 2016 and 2017.
The
2013 McGurk Employment Agreement further provided that Mr. McGurk is entitled to participate in all benefit plans provided to senior
executives of the Company. In addition, if the Company terminated Mr. McGurk’s employment without cause or he resigned with good
reason, the 2013 McGurk Employment Agreement provided that he would be entitled to receive his base salary through the later of March
31, 2017 or twelve (12) months following such termination, as well as payment of any bonus earned and approved by the Compensation Committee,
reimbursement of expenses incurred, and payment of benefits accrued, in each case, prior to the termination date. If such termination
or resignation occurred within two years after a change in control, then in lieu of receiving his base salary as described above, Mr.
McGurk would have been entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to the sum of his then base salary and target bonus amount, multiplied
by the greater of (i) two, or (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which would be the number of months remaining in the term (but no less
than twelve (12)), and the denominator of which is twelve. Upon a change in control, any unvested options shall immediately vest provided
that Mr. McGurk is an employee of the Company on such date.
On
January 4, 2017, Mr. McGurk and the Company amended the 2013 McGurk Employment Agreement to extend the term to March 31, 2018.
On
June 7, 2018, Mr. McGurk and the Company entered into an amendment (the “2018 Amendment”) to the 2013 McGurk Employment Agreement.
Pursuant to the 2018 Amendment, Mr. McGurk will continue to serve as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company
through March 31, 2021. The 2018 Amendment also provides that (i) if Mr. McGurk’s employment continues after March 31, 2021 without
an extension or renewal of the Employment Agreement, as amended, or entry into another employment agreement, then such employment will
be at-will and, for the duration of the at-will employment, Mr. McGurk will be entitled to receive the his base salary and participate
in the bonus, stock incentive, and benefit programs in effect at the expiration of the Term (as defined in the 2018 Amendment).
The
2018 Amendment also provides that Mr. McGurk is eligible for (i) under the MAIP, a target bonus opportunity percentage of 100% of the
Base Salary, to be adjusted higher or lower at the sole and absolute discretion of the Compensation Committee consistent with goals established
from time to time by the Compensation Committee, (ii) under the 2017 Plan, performance share units for up to 640,000 shares of Class
A common stock, subject to the EBITDA targets to be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Compensation Committee, with
50% of such shares to vest on March 31 of each of 2019 and 2020, and (iii) under the 2017 Plan, 700,000 SARs having an exercise price
of $1.47 and a term of ten (10) years, and one-third (1/3) of which will vest on March 31 of each of 2019, 2020 and 2021.
The
2018 Amendment also provides that, in the event of a termination without Cause, Mr. McGurk shall be entitled to payment of (i) the greater
of any Base Salary for the remainder of the Term or one year’s Base Salary and (ii) an amount equivalent to the average of the
last three (3) bonus payments under the MAIP, if any, under the Employment Agreement. In addition, the Amendment provides that the existing
severance terms in connection with a Change in Control apply if all conditions to such payment occur prior to March 31, 2020, and that
if such conditions apply occur thereafter, then Mr. McGurk shall be entitled to the payments described in the first sentence of this
paragraph instead.
55
All
terms of the 2013 McGurk Employment Agreement that were not affected by the Amendment remain in full force and effect.
On
November 19, 2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. McGurk (the “2020 McGurk Employment Agreement”).
The 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement took effect on April 1, 2021, after the 2013 McGurk Employment Agreement, as amended by the 2018
Amendment, terminated on March 31, 2021, and has a term ending on March 31, 2023, with a one-time automatic renewal for one year unless
either party provides written notice to the other no later than ninety days prior to the expiration of the initial term. Pursuant to
the 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement, Mr. McGurk will continue to serve as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the
Company.
The
2020 McGurk Employment Agreement provides that Mr. McGurk will receive an annual base salary of $650,000 and will be eligible for (i)
under the Company’s Management Annual Incentive Plan, a target bonus opportunity of $650,000 (the “Target Bonus”) consistent
with goals established annually by the Compensation Committee, (ii) under the Company’s 2017 Plan, performance share units for
up to 250,000 shares of Class A common stock, subject to EBITDA targets to be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Compensation
Committee and such other terms as the Compensation Committee shall determine, and (iii) under the 2017 Plan, 2,500,000 SARs having an
exercise price of $.54 and a term of ten (10) years, one-half (1/2) of which vested on November 19, 2020 and one-half (1/2) of which
will vest on March 31, 2023. Mr. McGurk will also be entitled to participate in all benefit plans and programs that the Company provides
to its senior executives.
The
2020 McGurk Employment Agreement provides that, in the event of a termination without Cause (as defined in the 2020 McGurk Employment
Agreement) or a resignation for Good Reason (as defined in the 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement), Mr. McGurk shall be entitled to payment
of (i) the greater of any Base Salary for the remainder of the Term or eighteen (18) months’ Base Salary at the time of termination
and (ii) an amount equivalent to one and one-half (1.5) times the average of the last two (2) bonus payments under the MAIP, if any,
under the Employment Agreement. In the event of, on or after April 1, 2020 and within two (2) years after a Change in Control (as defined
in the 2017 Plan), a termination without Cause (other than due to Mr. McGurk’s death or disability) or a resignation for Good Reason,
then in lieu of receiving the amounts described above, Mr. McGurk would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to three (3)
times the sum of (a) his then-current annual Base Salary and (b) his Target Bonus for the year of termination.
On
December 10, 2020, the Company entered into an amended employment agreement, effective as of November 19, 2020, with Mr. McGurk (the
“2020 A&R McGurk Employment Agreement”). The 2020 A&R McGurk Employment Agreement restated the 2020 McGurk Employment
Agreement, except that in the event of, on or after April 1, 2020 and within two (2) years after a Change in Control (as defined in the
2017 Plan), a termination without Cause (other than due to Mr. McGurk’s death or disability), a resignation for Good Reason, or
upon notice by the Company that it does not wish to renew the Term (as defined in the McGurk Employment Agreement), then in lieu of receiving
the amounts for severance other than in connection with a Change in Control, Mr. McGurk would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment
equal to three (3) times the sum of (a) his then-current annual Base Salary and (b) his Target Bonus (as defined in the 2020 A&R
McGurk Employment Agreement) for the year of termination.
Gary
S. Loffredo . On October 13, 2013, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Loffredo (the “2013 Loffredo Employment
Agreement”). Pursuant to the 2013 Loffredo Employment Agreement, Loffredo served as the Executive Vice President, Business Affairs,
General Counsel and Secretary of the Company and President of Digital Cinema Operations. The 2013 Loffredo Employment Agreement ended
on October 3, 2015, and upon such expiration, Mr. Loffredo became an at-will employee. Pursuant to the 2013 Loffredo Employment Agreement,
Mr. Loffredo received an annual base salary of $340,000 subject to increase at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. In addition,
Mr. Loffredo was eligible for a target bonus equal to 50% of his base salary for each fiscal year, payable based on Company performance
with goals to be established annually by the Compensation Committee.
Also
pursuant to the 2013 Loffredo Employment Agreement, Mr. Loffredo received a grant of non-statutory options to purchase 350,000 shares
of Common Stock, one-third (1/3) of which vested on March 31 of each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date.
The
2013 Loffredo Employment Agreement further provided that if the Company terminated Mr. Loffredo’s employment without cause or he
resigned with good reason, he would be entitled to receive his base salary for the longer of the remainder of the term or the (twelve)
12 months following the termination, as well as payment of salary and bonus(es) earned, reimbursement of expenses incurred, and payment
of benefits accrued, in each case, prior to the termination date. If such termination or resignation occurs within two years after a
change in control, then in lieu of receiving his base salary as described above, Mr. Loffredo would be entitled to receive a lump sum
payment equal to two times the sum of his then base salary and target bonus amount.
56
On
February 28, 2019, in connection with Mr. Loffredo’s promotion to Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Loffredo’s annual base salary
was increased to $425,000 and he became eligible for a target bonus equal to 60% of his base salary under the MAIP, consistent with goals
established annually by the Compensation Committee.
On
December 23, 2020, the Company entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Loffredo (the “2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement”),
which replaced the surviving terms of the 2013 Loffredo Employment Agreement, took effect on January 1, 2021 and has a term ending on
March 31, 2023, with a one-time automatic renewal for one year unless either party provides written notice to the other no later than
ninety days prior to the expiration of the initial term. Pursuant to the 2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement, Mr. Loffredo serves as President,
and continues to serve as the Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary, of the Company.
The
2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Loffredo will receive an annual base salary of $460,000 (as subject to adjustment,
the “Loffredo Base Salary”) and will be eligible for (i) under the Company’s Management Annual Incentive Plan, a target
bonus opportunity of $322,000 (the “Loffredo Target Bonus”) consistent with goals established annually by the Compensation
Committee, (ii) under the 2017 Plan, performance share units for up to 150,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, subject
to EBITDA targets to be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Compensation Committee and such other terms as the Compensation
Committee shall determine, and (iii) under the Plan, 1,200,000 SARs having an exercise price of $.64 and a term of ten (10) years, and
vesting as follows: 500,000 SARs vest on March 31, 2022, 500,000 SARS vest on March 31, 2023, and 200,000 SARs vest on June 30, 2023.
Mr. Loffredo will also be entitled to participate in all benefit plans and programs that the Company provides to its senior executives.
The
2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement provides that, in the event of a termination without Cause (as defined in the 2020 Loffredo Employment
Agreement) or a resignation for Good Reason (as defined in the 2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement), Mr. Loffredo shall be entitled to
payment of twelve (12) months’ Loffredo Base Salary at the time of termination. In the event, within two (2) years after a Change
in Control (as defined in the Plan), of a termination without Cause (other than due to Mr. Loffredo’s death or disability), a resignation
for Good Reason, or upon notice by the Company that it does not wish to renew the Term (as defined in the Loffredo Employment Agreement),
then in lieu of receiving the amounts described above, Mr. Loffredo would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to two (2)
times the sum of (a) his then-current annual Loffredo Base Salary and (b) the Loffredo Target Bonus for the year of termination.
Erick
Opeka, On September 15, 2018, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Opeka (the “2018 Opeka Employment
Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Opeka served as President Networks of the Company. The term of the 2018 Opeka Employment Agreement
is from September 15, 2018 through September 15, 2021 and upon such expiration Mr. Opeka will become an at-will employee. As outlined
in the 2018 Opeka Employment Agreement, Mr. Opeka will receive an annual base salary of $325,000 subject to annual reviews and increase
for subsequent years in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, and Mr. Opeka shall participate in the MAIP with a target
bonus equal to 35% of his base salary.
Pursuant
to the 2018 Opeka Employment Agreement, on September 28, 2018 Mr. Opeka was granted 355,000 SARs. Each SAR entitles the participant to
receive, upon exercise, an amount equal to the excess of the market price per share of the Class A common stock on the exercise date,
over $1.16, being not less than the market price per share of the Class A common stock on the grant date, in cash, common stock, or a
combination of both cash and common stock, at the option of the Company. These SARs expire ten years from the grant date and vest 118,333
shares on each of March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2020, and 118,334 shares on March 31, 2021.
On
December 23, 2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Opeka (the “2020 Opeka Employment Agreement”),
which replaced the 2018 Opeka employment Agreement, took effect on January 1, 2021 and has a term ending on September 15, 2023, with
a one-time automatic renewal for one year unless either party provides written notice to the other no later than ninety days prior to
the expiration of the initial term. Pursuant to the 2020 Opeka Employment Agreement, Mr. Opeka will serve as Chief Strategy Officer of
the Company and continue to serve as President of Cinedigm Networks.
57
The
2020 Opeka Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Opeka will receive an annual base salary of $400,000 (as subject to adjustment, the
“Opeka Base Salary”) and will be eligible for (i) under the MAIP, a target bonus opportunity of $240,000 (the “Opeka
Target Bonus”) consistent with goals established annually by the Compensation Committee, (ii) under the Plan, performance share
units for up to 150,000 shares of Class A common stock, subject to EBITDA targets to be determined in the sole and absolute discretion
of the Compensation Committee and such other terms as the Compensation Committee shall determine, and (iii) under the Plan, 1,200,000
SARs having an exercise price of $.64 and a term of ten (10) years, and vesting as follows: 500,000 SARs vest on March 31, 2022, 500,000
SARs vest on March 31, 2023, and 200,000 SARs vest on December 31, 2023. Mr. Opeka will also be entitled to participate in all benefit
plans and programs that the Company provides to its senior executives.
The
2020 Opeka Employment Agreement provides that, in the event of a termination without Cause (as defined in the 2020 Opeka Employment Agreement)
or a resignation for Good Reason (as defined in the 2020 Opeka Employment Agreement), Mr. Opeka shall be entitled to payment of twelve
(12) months’ Opeka Base Salary at the time of termination. In the event, within two (2) years after a Change in Control (as defined
in the Plan), of a termination without Cause (other than due to Mr. Opeka’s death or disability), a resignation for Good Reason,
or upon notice by the Company that it does not wish to renew the Term (as defined in the Opeka Employment Agreement), then in lieu of
receiving the amounts described above, Mr. Opeka would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to two (2) times the sum of (a)
his then-current annual Opeka Base Salary and (b) the Opeka Target Bonus for the year of termination.
Equity
Compensation Plans
The
following table sets forth certain information, as of March 31, 2021, regarding the shares of Cinedigm’s Class A common stock authorized
for issuance under Cinedigm’s equity compensation plan.
Plan
Number
of shares of
Class A common stock
issuable upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants or rights (1)
Weighted
average of
exercise price
of outstanding
Number
of shares
of Class A common stock
remaining
available for future
issuance
Cinedigm Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (“the 2000 Plan”) approved by shareholders
261,587
$
14.99
—
Cinedigm 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”)
9,154,933
1.04
1,359,416
Cinedigm compensation plans not approved by shareholders (2)
12,500
$
17.50
—
(1) Shares
of Cinedigm Class A Common Stock
(2) Reflects
stock options which were not granted under the 2000 Plan or the 2017 Plan.
58
The
2000 Plan
Our
Board originally adopted the 2000 Plan on June 1, 2000 and our shareholders approved the 2000 Plan by written consent in July 2000. Certain
terms of the Plan were last amended and approved by our shareholders in September 2016. Under the 2000 Plan, we may grant incentive and
non-statutory stock options, stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), stock appreciation rights, and performance awards
to our employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The primary purpose of the 2000 Plan is to enable us to attract, retain and
motivate our employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The term of the 2000 Plan expires on June 1, 2020. The 2000 Plan has
been replaced by the 2017 Plan, and no new awards will be granted from the 2000 Plan; however, the adoption of the 2017 Plan did not
affect awards already granted under the 2000 Plan.
Options
granted under the 2000 Plan expire ten years following the date of grant (or such shorter period of time as may be provided in a stock
option agreement or five years in the case of incentive stock options granted to stockholders who own greater than 10% of the total combined
voting power of the Company) and are subject to restrictions on transfer. Options granted under the Plan generally vest over periods
of up to three or four years. The 2000 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, and may be amended or terminated by the Board,
although no amendment or termination may adversely affect the right of any individual with respect to any outstanding option without
the consent of such individual. The 2000 Plan provides for the granting of incentive stock options with exercise prices of not less than
100% of the fair market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. Incentive stock options granted to stockholders
of more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company must have exercise prices of not less than 110% of the fair market
value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. Incentive and non-statutory stock options granted under the 2000
Plan are subject to vesting provisions, and exercise is generally subject to the continuous service of the optionee, except for consultants.
The exercise prices and vesting periods (if any) for non-statutory options may be set at the discretion of the Board or the Compensation
Committee. Upon a change of control of the Company, all options (incentive and non-statutory) that have not previously vested will vest
immediately and become fully exercisable. Options covering no more than 50,000 shares may be granted to one participant during any calendar
year unless pursuant to a multi-year award, in which case no more than options covering 50,000 shares per year of the award may be granted,
and during which period no additional options may be granted to such participant.
Grants
of restricted stock and restricted stock units are subject to vesting requirements, generally vesting over periods up to three years,
determined by the Compensation Committee and set forth in notices to the participants. Grants of stock, restricted stock and restricted
stock units shall not exceed 40% of the total number of shares available to be issued under the 2000 Plan.
SARs
consist of the right to the monetary equivalent of the increase in value of a specified number of shares over a specified period of time.
Upon exercise, SARs may be paid in cash or shares of Class A common stock or a combination thereof. Grants of SARs are subject to vesting
requirements, similar to those of stock options, determined by the Compensation Committee and set forth in agreements between the Company
and the participants. RSUs shall be similar to restricted stock except that no Class A common stock is actually awarded to the Participant
on the grant date of the RSUs and the Compensation Committee shall have the discretion to pay such RSUs upon vesting in cash or shares
of Class A common stock or a combination thereof.
Performance
awards consist of awards of stock and other equity-based awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise
based on, the market value of the Class A Common Stock, or other securities of the Company, and may be paid in shares of Class A Common
Stock, cash or another form of property as the Compensation Committee may determine. Grants of performance awards shall entitle participants
to receive an award if the measures of performance established by the Committee are met. Such measures shall be established by the Compensation
Committee but the relevant measurement period for any performance award must be at least 12 months. Grants of performance awards shall
not cover the issuance of shares that would exceed 20% of the total number of shares available to be issued under the 2000 Plan, and
no more than 50,000 shares pursuant to any performance awards shall be granted to one participant in a calendar year unless pursuant
to a multi-year award. The terms of grants of performance awards would be set forth in agreements between the Company and the participants.
59
The
2017 Plan
Our
Board adopted the 2017 Plan on August 7, 2017 and our stockholders approved the 2017 Plan on August 31, 2017. Under the 2017 Plan, we
may grant incentive and non-statutory stock options, stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), stock appreciation rights,
performance awards and other equity-based awards to our employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The primary purpose of the
2017 Plan is to enable us to attract, retain and motivate our employees, non-employee directors and consultants.
Options
granted under the 2017 Plan expire ten years following the date of grant (or such shorter period of time as may be provided in a stock
option agreement, or five years in the case of incentive stock options granted to stockholders who own greater than 10% of the total
combined voting power of the Company) and are subject to restrictions on transfer. The 2017 Plan is administered by the Compensation
Committee, and may be amended or terminated by the Committee, although no amendment or termination may have a material adverse effect
on the rights of any individual with respect to any outstanding option, without the consent of such individual. The exercise prices of
stock options granted must be not less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of
grant. Incentive stock options granted to stockholders of more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company must have exercise
prices of not less than 110% of the fair market value of the Company’s Class A common stock on the date of grant. Incentive and
non-statutory stock options granted under the 2017 Plan may be subject to vesting provisions, and exercise is generally subject to the
continuous service of the optionee, except for consultants. The exercise prices and vesting periods (if any) for non-statutory options
may be set at the discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee. Upon a change of control of the Company, where the Class A common
stock does not continue to be publicly traded, unless replacement awards are issued in connection with the transaction, all options (incentive
and non-statutory) that have not previously vested will vest immediately and become fully exercisable. SARs consist of the right to the
monetary equivalent of the increase in value of a specified number of shares over a specified period of time. Upon exercise, SARs may
be paid, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, in cash or shares of Class A common stock or a combination thereof. Grants
of SARs are subject to terms determined by the Compensation Committee and set forth in agreements between the Company and the participants.
Grants
of restricted stock and restricted stock units are subject to vesting requirements, generally vesting over periods up to three years,
determined by the Compensation Committee and set forth in notices to the participants.
RSUs
shall be similar to restricted stock except that no Class A Common Stock is actually awarded to the Participant on the grant date of
the RSUs and the Compensation Committee shall have the discretion to pay such RSUs upon vesting in cash or shares of Class A common stock
or a combination thereof.
Performance
awards consist of awards of stock and other equity-based awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise
based on, the market value of the Class A common stock, or other securities of the Company, and may be paid in shares of Class A common
stock, cash or another form of property as the Compensation Committee may determine. Grants of performance awards shall entitle participants
to receive an award if the measures of performance established by the Committee are met. Such measures shall be established by the Compensation
Committee but the relevant measurement period for any performance award must be at least 12 months. The terms of grants of performance
awards would be set forth in agreements between the Company and the participants.
With
respect to limits on Award grants under the 2017 Plan, aggregate shares granted to non-employee directors in any year may not exceed
300,000.
Our
Class A common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq under the symbol “CIDM”.
The
following table sets forth certain information concerning outstanding equity awards of the Company’s NEOs at the end of the Last
Fiscal Year. All outstanding stock awards reported in this table represent restricted stock that vests in equal annual installments over
three years. At the end of the Last Fiscal Year, there were no unearned equity awards under performance-based plans.
60
OUTSTANDING
EQUITY AWARDS AT MARCH 31, 2021
OPTION AWARDS (1)
STOCK AWARDS
Name
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
(#)
Number of
Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(#)
Option Exercise Price
($)
Option
Expiration
Date
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not
Vested
(#)
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have
Not Vested
($)
Christopher J. McGurk
150,000 (2)
—
14.00
8/22/2023
—
—
700,000 (3)
—
1.47
6/7/2028
—
—
1,250,000 (4)
—
0.54
11/19/2030
—
—
Gary S. Loffredo
22,500 (5)
—
14.90
8/16/2021
—
—
7,500 (6)
—
30.00
8/16/2021
—
—
35,000 (7)
—
15.40
10/13/2023
—
—
271,740 (8)
135,870 (8)
1.47
12/10/2028
—
—
1,200,000 (9)
0.64
12/23/2030
—
—
Erick Opeka
4,000 (10)
—
15.10
4/20/2022
—
—
8,000 (11)
—
18.10
9/2/2024
—
—
355,000 (3)
1.16
9/28/2028
—
—
1,200,000 (12)
0.64
12/23/2030
(1) Reflects
stock options granted under the 2000 Plan and SARs granted under the 2017 Plan.
(2) Of
such total options, 1/3 vested on March 31 of each 2015, 2016 and 2017.
(3) Consists
of stock appreciation rights which vested as to 1/3 on March 31 of each of 2019, 2020 and 2021.
(4) Consists
of stock appreciation rights of which 1,250,000 vested on November 19, 2020, and 1,250,000 will vest on March 31, 2023.
(5) Such
options vested on August 17, 2012.
(6) Of
such total options, 1/4 vested on August 17 of each 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
(7) Of
such total options, 1/3 vested on October 13 of each 2014, 2015 and 2016.
(8) Consists
of stock appreciation rights which vest as to 1/3 on December 10 of each of 2019, 2020 and 2021.
(9) Consists
of stock appreciation rights which vest as to 500,000, on March 31, 2022, as to 500,000, on March 31, 2023, and as to 200,000, on June
30, 2023.
(10) 1,000
of such options vested on April 20 of each of 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
(11) 2,000
of such options vested on September 2 of each of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
(12) Consists
of stock appreciation rights which vest as to 500,000, on March 31, 2022, as to 500,000, on March 31, 2023, and as to 200,000, on December
31, 2023.
61
Directors
The
following table sets forth certain information concerning compensation earned by the Company’s non-employee directors for services
rendered as a director during the Last Fiscal Year.
Name
Cash Fees
Earned
($)
Stock
Awards
($)
Total
($)
Peter C. Brown
$ 61,250
$ 50,000
$ 111,250
Tom Bu
53,750
50,000
103,750
Patrick W. O’Brien (Lead Independent Director)
72,750
62,000
134,750
Peixin Xu
52,500
50,000
102,500
Zvi M. Rhine (1)
37,500
25,000
62,500
(1) Resigned
from the Board on November 3, 2020.
In
the past, each director who is not an employee of the Company was compensated for services as a director by receiving an annual cash
retainer for Board service of $50,000, payable quarterly in arrears, and an annual stock grant of restricted shares of Class A common
stock equal in value to $50,000 as of the last day of the fiscal quarter during which the Company’s annual meeting occurs, which
restricted shares shall vest on a quarterly basis during the year of service. In addition to the cash and stock retainers paid to all
non-employee Directors for Board service, the Lead Independent Director received a fixed amount to be determined by the Nominating and
Governance Committee. The directors may elect to receive any annual cash retainer in shares of vested Class A common stock, in lieu of
cash, based on the stock price as of the date of the cash payment. The Company requires that Directors agree to retain 100% of their
net after tax shares received for board service until separation from the Company. In addition, the Directors are reimbursed by the Company
for expenses of traveling on Company business, which to date has consisted of attending Board and Committee meetings.
In
February 2021, the Board amended the compensation package to non-employee directors. Commencing the quarter ended March 31, 2021, the
annual cash retainer amount increased to $60,000, and commencing with the shares to be issued in connection with the Company’s
2021 annual meeting of stockholders, the annual stock grant of restricted shares of Class A common stock amount will increase to $90,000
based on the trailing 20-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Class A common stock as of the date of the most
recent prior annual shareholder’s meeting. In addition, non-employee directors receive annual committee fees of $15,000 for service
as a committee chair and of $5,000 for service on a committee (other than as chair). In addition to the cash and stock retainers paid
to all non-employee directors for Board service, the Lead Independent Director receives an annual cash fee of $20,000. Finally, new non-employee
directors will receive a grant of restricted stock valued at $180,000 based on the trailing 20-day VWAP of the Class A common stock as
of the grant date (the director joins the Board), and such shares will vest in three equal installments on the first three anniversaries
of the date of grant.
The
Company has adopted Stock Ownership Guidelines for its non-employee directors as discussed in Part III, Item 10 of this Report on Form
10-K.
62
ITEM
12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
As of July 23, 2021, the Company’s directors,
executive officers, and principal stockholders beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate, approximately 15.8% of its
outstanding Class A common stock. These stockholders have significant influence over the Company’s business affairs, with the ability
to control matters requiring approval by the Company’s stockholders.
The following table sets forth as of July 23, 2021,
certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Class A common stock as to (i) each person known by the Company to
beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Class A common stock, (ii) each of the Company’s directors, (iii)
each of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its two other most highly compensated individuals who were serving as executive
officers at the end of the Last Fiscal Year, for services rendered in all capacities during the Last Fiscal Year (the “Named Executive
Officers”), and (iv) all of the company’s directors and executive officers as a group.
CLASS A COMMON STOCK
Name (a)
Shares
Beneficially Owned
(b)
Number
Percent
Christopher J. McGurk
3,584,073 (c)
2.1 %
Gary S. Loffredo
537,537 (d)
*
Erick Opeka
513,965 (e)
*
Peter C. Brown
345,086 (f)
*
Tom Bu
113,257
*
Patrick W. O’Brien
378,327
*
Peixin Xu
21,723,009 (g)
12.8 %
Mingtai Investment LP
9,005,772 (h)
5.4 %
All directors and executive officers
as a group (7 persons)
27,195,254 (i)
15.8 %
(a)
Unless
otherwise indicated, the business address of each person named in the table is c/o Cinedigm Corp., 237 West 35th Street, Suite 605, New
York, New York 10001.
(b)
Applicable percentage of ownership is based on 167,800,341 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as of July 23, 2021 together with all applicable options, warrants and other securities convertible into shares of our Class A Common Stock for such stockholder. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and includes voting and investment power with respect to shares. Shares of Class A Common Stock subject to options, warrants or other convertible securities exercisable within 60 days after July 23, 2021 are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding such options, warrants or other convertible securities, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. Except as otherwise noted, the named beneficial owner has the sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of Class A Common Stock shown. Certain information is based on the numbers of shares reported in the most recent Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G, as amended, as applicable, filed by stockholders with the SEC through July 23, 2021 and information provided by holders or otherwise known to the Company.
(c)
Includes
(i) 150,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying currently exercisable options and (ii) 1,950,000 shares of Class A common stock
underlying currently exercisable stock appreciation rights.
(d)
Includes
65,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying currently exercisable options and 271,740 shares of Class A common stock underlying
currently exercisable stock appreciation rights.
(e)
Includes
(i) 12,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying currently exercisable options and (ii) 355,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying
currently exercisable stock appreciation rights.
(f)
Includes
92,067 shares owned by Grassmere Partners LLC, of which Mr. Brown is Chairman. Mr. Brown disclaims beneficial ownership
of such shares except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein.
(g)
Includes
(i) 152,255 shares of Class A Common Stock owned directly, (ii) 1,400,000 shares of Class A Common Sock subject to issuance upon
exercise of currently exercisable warrants held by Bison Entertainment and Media Group (“BEMG”), (iii) 9,005,772
shares of Class A Common Stock held by Mingtai Investment LP (“Mingtai”), (iv) 3,898,615 shares of Class A Common Stock
held by Antai Investment LP (“Antai”), and (v) 7,266,367 shares of Class A Common Stock held by Shangtai Asset Management
LP (“Shangtai”). BEMG is wholly-owned by Bison Capital Holding Company Limited. Mr. Xu’s spouse, Fengyun Jiang,
is the sole owner of Bison Capital Holding Company Limited. Mingtai is indirectly managed by a subsidiary of Bison Finance Group
Limited (“BFGL”), which is controlled by Mr. Xu. Shangtai is indirectly managed by a subsidiary of BFGL. Mr. Xu controls
the manager of the general partner of Antai. The business address of Mr. Xu is 609-610 21st Century Tower, No. 40 Liangmaqiao Road,
Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100016.
(h)
The
business address of Mingtai Investment LP is 609-610 21st Century Tower, No. 40 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China,
100016.
(i)
Includes
a total of 4,194,740 shares that are not currently outstanding, consisting of (i) 227,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying
currently exercisable options, (ii) 2,567,740 shares of Class A common stock underlying currently exercisable stock appreciation
rights, and (iii) 1,400,000 shares of Class A common stock subject to issuance upon exercise of currently exercisable warrants.
63
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Related
Party Transactions
The
Audit Committee, pursuant to its charter, is responsible for the review and oversight of all related party transactions and other potential
conflict of interest situations, by review in advance or ratification afterward. The Audit Committee charter does not set forth specific
standards to be applied; rather, the Audit Committee reviews each transaction individually on a case-by-case, facts and circumstances
basis.
On
July 12, 2019, the Company issued the Bison Convertible Note to Bison Global Investment SPC for and on behalf of Global Investment SPC-Bison
Global No. 1 (“Bison Global”), pursuant to which the Company borrowed from Bison Global $10.0 million. On April 15, 2020,
the Company executed a letter amendment to the Bison Convertible Note, which, among other things, amended the Bison Convertible Note,
effective as of March 4, 2020, to change the maturity date to March 4, 2021. During the fiscal year ended March 2021, with respect to
the Bison Convertible Note, (i) the largest aggregate amount of principal outstanding was $10.0 million, (ii) no principal was paid,
and (iii) no interest was paid. On September 11, 2020, the Bison Convertible Note was converted into 6,666,667 shares of Class A common
stock in accordance with its terms, and as of March 31, 2021, no principal amount was outstanding. A subsidiary of Bison Finance
Group Limited (“BFGL”), which is controlled by Peixin Xu, one of our directors, acts as manager of Bison Global.
On
October 9, 2018, the Company issued the Convertible Note to Mingtai. On October 9, 2019, the Company exercised its option to extend the
Convertible Note held by Mingtai for an additional year to October 9, 2020. During the fiscal year ended March 2020, with respect to
the Convertible Note, (i) the largest aggregate amount of principal outstanding was $5,000,000, (ii) no principal was paid, and
(iii) no interest was paid. On September 11, 2020, the Convertible Note was converted into 3,333,333 shares of Class A common stock in
accordance with its terms, and as of March 31, 2021, no principal amount was outstanding. Mingtai is indirectly managed by
a subsidiary of BFGL, which is controlled by Peixin Xu, one of our directors.
On
April 10, 2020, the Company entered into the April Stock Purchase Agreement with Bison Global, Huatai Investment LP (“Huatai”),
Antai, Mingtai and Shangtai, to buy an aggregate of 223,380,000 outstanding Starrise ordinary shares from them and for the Company
to issue to them an aggregate of 29,855,081 shares of Common Stock in consideration therefor. On April 15, 2020, this transaction was
consummated. Mingtai is indirectly managed by a subsidiary BFGL, which is controlled by Peixin Xu, one of our directors. BFGL’s
subsidiary acts as manager of Bison Global. Shangtai and Huatai are indirectly managed by a subsidiary of BFGL. Peixin Xu controls the
manager of the general partner of Antai.
Director
Independence
Please
see the discussion of director independence under “MATTERS RELATING TO OUR GOVERNANCE, Board of Directors” starting on page
47 above.
64
ITEM
14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
REPORT
OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The
Audit Committee oversees the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities,
the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial statements in the Form 10-K, including a discussion
of the acceptability of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the
financial statements.
The
Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm, which is responsible for expressing an
opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board,
the matters required to be discussed by Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS 61), as may be modified or supplemented, and their judgments
as to the acceptability of the Company’s accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the
Audit Committee under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
In
addition, the Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence from management
and the Company, including receiving the written disclosures and letter from the independent registered public accounting firm as required
by the Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, as may be modified or supplemented, and has considered the compatibility of any non-audit
services with the auditors’ independence.
The
Audit Committee discussed with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for their
audit. The Audit Committee meets with the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss
the results of their examinations and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.
In
reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, that
the audited financial statements be included in the Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2021 for filing with the SEC.
Respectfully
submitted,
The
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
Peter
C. Brown, Chairman
Tom
Bu
Patrick
W. O’Brien
THE
FOREGOING AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT SHALL NOT BE “SOLICITING MATERIAL” OR BE DEEMED “FILED” WITH THE SEC, NOR SHALL
SUCH INFORMATION BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO ANY FILING UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE EXCHANGE ACT, EXCEPT
TO THE EXTENT THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATES IT BY REFERENCE INTO SUCH FILING.
EisnerAmper
LLP served as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s consolidated financial statements since
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 and the Board has appointed EisnerAmper LLP to do so again for the fiscal year ending March 31,
2022.
The
Company’s Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures for pre-approving all non-audit work performed by EisnerAmper LLP
for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. In determining whether to approve a particular audit or permitted non-audit
service, the Audit Committee will consider, among other things, whether the service is consistent with maintaining the independence of
the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee will also consider whether the independent registered public accounting
firm is best positioned to provide the most effective and efficient service to our Company and whether the service might be expected
to enhance our ability to manage or control risk or improve audit quality. Specifically, the Audit Committee has pre-approved the use
of EisnerAmper LLP for detailed, specific types of services within the following categories of non-audit services: acquisition due diligence
and audit services; tax services; and reviews and procedures that the Company requests EisnerAmper LLP to undertake on matters not required
by laws or regulations. In each case, the Audit Committee has required management to obtain specific pre-approval from the Audit Committee
for any engagements.
65
The
aggregate fees billed for professional services by EisnerAmper LLP for these various services were:
For the fiscal years
ended March 31,
Type of Fees
2021
2020
(1) Audit Fees
$ 492,000
$ 315,000
(2) Audit-Related Fees
—
—
(3) Tax Fees
—
—
(4) All Other Fees
—
—
$ 492,000
$ 315,000
In
the above table, in accordance with the SEC’s definitions and rules, “audit fees” are fees the Company paid EisnerAmper
LLP for professional services for the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended March
31, 2021 and 2020 included in Form 10-K and review of consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference into Form S-3 and Form
S-8 and included in Form 10-Qs and for services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory
filings or engagements; “audit-related fees” are fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the
performance of the audit or review of the Company’s consolidated financial statements; “tax fees” are fees for tax
compliance, tax advice and tax planning; and “all other fees” are fees for any services not included in the first three categories.
All of the services set forth in sections (1) through (4) above were approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the Audit Committee
Charter.
For
the fiscal years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company retained a firm other than EisnerAmper LLP for tax compliance, tax advice
and tax planning.
66
PART
IV
ITEM
15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1)
Financial Statements
See
Index to Financial Statements on page 42 herein.
(a)(2)
Financial Statement Schedules
None.
(a)(3)
Exhibits
The
exhibits are listed in the Exhibit Index beginning on page 70 herein.
67
EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
of Document
3.1
-
Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. (46)
3.2
-
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended. (19)
4.1
-
Specimen certificate representing Class A common stock. (1)
4.2
-
Specimen certificate representing Series A Preferred Stock. (7)
4.3
-
Limited Recourse Pledge Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2013, made by Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. in favor of Prospect Capital Corporation, as Collateral Agent. (16)
4.4
-
Guaranty, Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2013, made by Cinedigm DC Holdings, LLC, Access Digital Media, Inc. and Access Digital Cinema Phase 2, Corp., in favor of Prospect Capital Corporation, as Collateral Agent. (16)
4.5
-
Limited Recourse Guaranty Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2013, made by Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. in favor of Prospect Capital Corporation, as Collateral Agent and as Administrative Agent. (16)
4.6
-
Promissory Note dated April 10, 2020. (58)
4.7
-
Note issued on October 9, 2018. (37)
4.8
-
Guaranty Agreement, dated as of July 14, 2016, among the Guarantors and in favor of Cortland Capital Market Services LLC, as Administrative and Collateral Agent. (24)
4.9
-
Second Lien Security Agreement, dated as of July 14, 2016, among the Company, Loan Parties signatory thereto, certain Subsidiaries of the Company and Cortland Capital Market Services LLC, as Administrative and Collateral Agent. (24)
4.10
-
Warrant issued on July 14, 2016. (24)
4.11
-
Security Agreement, dated as of October 18, 2011, among CDF2 Holdings, LLC and each Grantor from time to time party thereto and Société Générale, New York Branch, as Collateral Agent for CHG-Meridian U.S. Finance, Ltd. And any other CHG Lease Participants. (14)
4.12
-
Form of Warrant issued on December 23, 2016. (26)
4.13
-
Warrant issued on December 29, 2017. (33)
4.14
-
Trademark Security Agreement dated as of March 30, 2018 by and between the Company and East West Bank. (34)
4.15
-
Trademark Security Agreement dated as of March 30, 2018 by and between Cinedigm Entertainment Corp. and East West Bank. (34)
4.16
Trademark Security Agreement dated as of March 30, 2018 by and between Vistachiara Productions, Inc. and East West Bank. (34)
4.17
-
Copyright Security Agreement dated as of March 30, 2018 by and between the Company and East West Bank. (34)
4.18
-
Copyright Security Agreement dated as of March 30, 2018 by and between Cinedigm Home Entertainment, LLC and East West Bank. (34)
4.19
-
Copyright Security Agreement dated as of March 30, 2018 by and between Cinedigm Entertainment Corp. and East West Bank. (34)
4.20
-
Copyright Security Agreement dated as of March 30, 2018 by and between Vistachiara Productions, Inc. and East West Bank. (34)
4.21
-
Patent Security Agreement dated as of March 30, 2018 by and between the Company and East West Bank. (34)
4.22
-
Description of Securities*
4.23
-
Convertible Subordinated Promissory Note dated July 12, 2019. (39)
4.23.1
Letter Amendment dated April 15, 2020 by and between Bison Global Investment SPC for and on behalf of Global Investment SPC-Bison Global No. 1 SP and Cinedigm Corp. (43)
4.24
-
Trademark Security Agreement dated as of July 3, 2019 by and between Comic Blitz II LLC and East West Bank. (39)
10.1
-
Second Lien Loan Agreement, dated as of July 14, 2016, among the Company, the lenders party thereto and Cortland Capital Market Services LLC, as Administrative and Collateral Agent. (24)
10.1.1
-
First Amendment to Second Lien Loan Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2016, among the Company, the lender party thereto and Cortland Capital Market Services Inc. as Administrative and Collateral Agent. (23)
10.1.2
-
Second Amendment to Second Lien Loan Agreement, dated as of October 7, 2016, among the Company, the lenders party thereto and Cortland Capital Market Services LLC, as Administrative and Collateral Agent. (20)
10.1.3
-
Third Amendment to Second Lien Loan Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2017, among the Company, the lenders party thereto and Cortland Capital Market Services Inc. as Administrative and Collateral Agent. (28)
68
Exhibit
Number
Description
of Document
10.1.4
-
Consent dated June 28, 2019 to Second Lien Loan Agreement among the Company, the lenders party thereto and Cortland Capital Market Services Inc. as Administrative and Collateral Agent. (39)
10.1.5
-
Consent dated June 26, 2020 to Second Lien Loan Agreement among the Company, the lenders party thereto and Cortland Capital Market Services Inc. as Administrative and Collateral Agent. (49)
10.2†
-
Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company. (3)
10.2.1†
-
Amendment dated May 9, 2008 to the Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company. (5)
10.2.2†
-
Form of Notice of Restricted Stock Award. (3)
10.2.3†
-
Form of Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement. (4)
10.2.4†
-
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (employees). (5)
10.2.5†
-
Form of Stock Option Agreement. (2)
10.2.6†
-
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (directors). (5)
10.2.7†
-
Amendment No. 2 dated September 4, 2008 to the Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company. (6)
10.2.8†
-
Amendment No. 3 dated September 30, 2009 to the Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company. (8)
10.2.9†
-
Amendment No. 4 dated September 14, 2010 to the Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company. (12)
10.2.10†
-
Amendment No. 5 dated April 20, 2012 to the Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company. (13)
10.2.11†
-
Amendment No. 6 dated September 12, 2012 to the Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company. (15)
10.2.12†
-
Amendment No. 7 dated September 16, 2014 to the Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company. (18)
10.2.13†
-
Amendment No. 8 dated September 8, 2016 to the Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company. (21)
10.2.14†
-
Amendment No. 9 dated September 27, 2016 to the Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company. (22)
10.3†
-
Cinedigm Corp. Management Incentive Award Plan. (9)
10.4†
-
Form of Indemnification Agreement for non-employee directors. (10)
10.5†
-
2017 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company. (29)
10.5.1†
-
Form of Notice of Incentive Stock Option Grant. (30)
10.5.2†
-
Form of Notice of Option Grant. (30)
10.5.3†
-
Form of Notice of Restricted Stock Award. (30)
10.5.4†
-
Form of Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award. (30)
10.5.5†
-
Form of Notice of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Award. (32)
10.5.6†
-
Form of Notice of Stock Appreciation Right Grant (revised). (36)
10.5.7†
-
Amendment No. 1 to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. (42)
10.5.8†
-
Amendment No. 2 to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. (54)
10.5.9†
-
Amendment No. 3 to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. (55)
10.6
-
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2016, among the Company and the holders party thereto. (23)
10.7
-
Term Loan Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2013, by and among Cinedigm DC Holdings, LLC, Access Digital Media, Inc., Access Digital Cinema Phase 2, Corp., the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and Prospect Capital Corporation as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent. (16) (Confidential treatment granted under Rule 24b-2 as to certain portions which are omitted and filed separately with the SEC.)
10.7.1
-
Amendment No. 1, dated as of August 12, 2013, to Term Loan Agreement dated February 28, 2013 by and among Cinedigm DC Holdings, LLC, Access Digital Media, Inc., Access Digital Cinema Phase 2, Corp., the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and Prospect Capital Corporation as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.*
10.7.2
-
Omnibus Joinder, Amendment No. 2 to Term Loan Agreement and Amendment No. 1 to Guaranty, Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of July 12, 2017, by and among Cinedigm DC Holdings, LLC, Access Digital Media, Inc., Access Digital Cinema Phase 2, Corp., Christie/AIX, Inc., Cinedigm Digital Funding I, LLC, the Lenders party thereto and Prospect Capital Corporation as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.*
10.7.3
-
Amendment No. 3, dated as of March 4, 2021, to Term Loan Agreement dated February 28, 2013 by and among Cinedigm DC Holdings, LLC, Access Digital Media, Inc., Access Digital Cinema Phase 2, Corp., the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and Prospect Capital Corporation as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.*
69
Exhibit
Number
Description
of Document
10.8
-
Equipment Purchase Agreement dated March 26, 2021 between Cinedigm Digital Funding I, LLC and American Multi-Cinema, Inc.*
10.9
-
Equipment Purchase Agreement dated March 26, 2021 between Access Digital Cinema Phase 2, Corp., Access Digital Cinema Phase 2 B/AIX Corp. and American Multi-Cinema, Inc.*
10.10
-
Strategic Advisor Agreement between Cinedigm Corp. and Ronald L. Chez dated as of April 3, 2017. (27)
10.11
-
Lease for 15301 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA, dated as of January 4, 2017 between Douglas Emmett 2016 and Cinedigm Corp. (28)
10.12†
-
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. and Christopher J. McGurk dated as of August 22, 2013. (17)
10.12.1†
-
Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Cinedigm Corp. and Christopher J. McGurk dated as of January 4, 2017. (25)
10.12.2†
-
Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Cinedigm Corp. and Christopher J. McGurk dated as of June 7, 2018. (35)
10.12.3†
-
Employment Agreement between Cinedigm Corp. and Christopher J. McGurk dated as of November 19, 2020. (47)
10.12.4†
-
Employment Agreement between Cinedigm Corp. and Christopher J. McGurk dated as of December 10, 2020. (48)
10.13†
-
Stock Option Agreement between Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. and Christopher J. McGurk dated as of December 23, 2010. (11)
10.14
-
Multiparty Agreement, dated as of October 18, 2011, among Cinedigm Digital Funding 2, LLC, as Borrower, Access Digital Cinema Phase 2, Corp., CDF2 Holdings, LLC, Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp., CHG-MERIDIAN U.S. Finance, Ltd., Société Générale, New York Branch, as Senior Administrative Agent and Ballantyne Strong, Inc., as Approved Vendor. (14)
10.15
-
Master Equipment Lease No. 8463, effective as of October 18, 2011, by and between CHG- MERIDIAN U.S. Finance, Ltd. And CDF2 Holdings, LLC. (14)
10.16
-
Master Equipment Lease No. 8465, effective as of October 18, 2011, by and between CHG-MERIDIAN U.S. Finance, Ltd. And CDF2 Holdings, LLC. (14)
10.17
-
Sale and Leaseback Agreement, dated as of October 18, 2011, by and between CDF2 Holdings, LLC and CHG-MERIDIAN U.S. Finance, Ltd. (14)
10.18
-
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2017, between the Company and the purchasers listed on Schedule I therein. (31)
10.19
-
Form of Voting Agreement. (31)
10.20
-
Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2018, by and between the Company, East West Bank and the Guarantors named therein. (34)
10.20.1
-
Amendment No. 2 to Loan, Guaranty and Security Agreement dated as of July 3, 2019 by and between the Company, East West Bank and the Guarantors named therein. (39)
10.20.2
Amendment No. 3 to Loan, Guaranty and Security Agreement dated as of July 31, 2019 by and among the Company, East West Bank and the Guarantors named therein. (41)
10.20.3
Amendment No. 4 to Loan, Guaranty and Security Agreement dated as of June 25, 2020 by and between the Company, East West Bank and the Guarantors named therein. (49)
10.21†
-
Employment Agreement between Cinedigm Corp. and Gary S. Loffredo dated as of October 13, 2013. (38)
10.21.1†
-
Letter of Promotion between Cinedigm Corp. and Gary S. Loffredo dated as of February 28, 2019.(40)
10.21.2†
-
Employment Agreement between Cinedigm Corp. and Gary S. Loffredo dated as of December 23, 2020. (50)
10.22†
-
Employment Agreement between Cinedigm Corp. and Erick Opeka dated as of September 15, 2018. (40)
10.22.1†
-
Employment Agreement between Cinedigm Corp. and Erick Opeka dated as of December 23, 2020. (50)
10.23
-
Securities Purchase Agreement dated February 2, 2021 between Cinedigm Corp. and Ionic Ventures, LLC. (51)
10.24
-
Support Letter dated July 10, 2019 from Bison Entertainment and Media Group. (40)
10.25
-
Exchange Agreement dated as of January 21, 2021 between Cinedigm Corp. and Wolverine Flagship Fund Trading Limited. (52)
10.26
-
Exchange
Agreement dated as of December 4, 2020 among Cinedigm Corp. and Byline Bank f/k/a First Bank & Trust as Custodian of the Ronald L.
Chez IRA #1073. (53)
10.27
-
Stock Purchase Agreement dated April 10, 2020, among Cinedigm Corp., Bison Global Investment SPC - Bison Global No. 1 SP, Huatai Investment LP, Antai Investment LP, Mingtai Investment LP and Shangtai Asset Management LP (43)
70
Exhibit
Number
Description
of Document
10.28
-
Securities Purchase Agreement dated May 20, 2020. (44)
10.29
-
Support Letter dated June 29, 2020 from Bison Entertainment and Media Group. (49)
10.30
-
Exchange Agreement dated as of June 24, 2020 among Cinedigm Corp. and BlueMountain Global Volatility Master Fund L.P., BlueMountain Logan Opportunities Master Fund L.P., Blue Mountain Credit Alternatives Master Fund L.P., BlueMountain Montenvers Master Fund SCA SICAV-SIF, and BlueMountain Foinaven Master Fund L.P. (45)
10.31
-
Exchange Agreement dated as of December 4, 2020 among Cinedigm Corp., Lotus Investors LLC, Hedy Klineman Marital Trust, UVE Partners, LLC, and Hudson Asset Partners LLC. (53)
10.32
-
Securities Purchase Agreement dated July 16, 2020 among Cinedigm Corp., Anson Investments Master Fund LP, Anson East Master Fund LP and CVI Investments, Inc. (56)
10.33
-
Sales Agreement, dated July 6, 2020, by and between Cinedigm Corp., A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners and B. Riley FBR, Inc. (57)
21.1
-
List of Subsidiaries.*
23.1
-
Consent of EisnerAmper LLP.*
24.1
-
Powers of Attorney.* (Contained on signature page)
31.1
-
Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
31.2
-
Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.1
-
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.2
-
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
* Filed
herewith.
† Management
compensatory arrangement.
Documents Incorporated Herein by Reference:
(1) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 4, 2003 as an exhibit to the Company’s Amendment No. 3 to Registration
Statement on Form SB-2 (File No. 333-107711).
(2) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2005 as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-124290).
(3) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2007 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 000-51910).
(4) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 3, 2008 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 000-51910).
(5) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2008 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 000-51910).
(6) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 10, 2008 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 000-51910).
(7) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2009 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 000-51910).
(8) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 6, 2009 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(9) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 27, 2009 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
71
(10) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 21, 2009 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(11) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 3, 2011 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(12) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 16, 2010 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(13) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 24, 2012 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(14) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 24, 2011 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(15) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 14, 2012 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(16) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 4, 2013 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(17) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 28, 2013 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(18) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 17, 2014 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(19) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2015 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 2015 (File No. 001-31810).
(20) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 7, 2016 as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (File No. 333-214486).
(21) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8, 2016 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(22) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2016 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(23) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2016 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-31810).
(24) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 19, 2016 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(25) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 10, 2017 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(26) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 23, 2016 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(27) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 7, 2017 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
72
(28) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2017 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-K (File No. 001-31810).
(29) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2017 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(30) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 2, 2017 as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form
S-8 (File No. 333-220773).
(31) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2017 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(32) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 16, 2017 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-31810).
(33) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 2, 2018 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(34) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 4, 2018 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(35) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 11, 2018 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(36) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 7, 2018 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(37) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 12, 2018 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(38) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 17, 2013 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(39) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 15, 2019 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(40) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 16, 2019 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-K (File No. 001-31810).
(41) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 26, 2019 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(42) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 5, 2019 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(43) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 16, 2020 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(44) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 21, 2020 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(45) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2020 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(46) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 16, 2020 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-31810).
73
(47) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 23, 2020 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(48) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2020 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(49) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 6, 2020 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-K (File No. 001-31810).
(50) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 30, 2020 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(51) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 3, 2021 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(52) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 2021 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-31810).
(53) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 7, 2020 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(54) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 4, 2020 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(55) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 26, 2020 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(56) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 16, 2020 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-31810).
(57) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 6, 2020 as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form
S-3 (File No. 333-239710).
(58) Previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2020 as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-31810).
74
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CINEDIGM
CORP.
Date:
July 29, 2021
By:
/s/ Christopher J. McGurk
Christopher J. McGurk
Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date:
July 29, 2021
By:
/s/ Gary S. Loffredo
Gary S. Loffredo
President, Chief Operating Officer,
General Counsel and Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer)
POWER
OF ATTORNEY
KNOW
ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Christopher J. McGurk and
Gary S. Loffredo, and each of them individually, his or her true and lawful agent, proxy and attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution
and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to (i) act on, sign and file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all amendments to this Report together with all schedules and exhibits thereto, (ii) act
on, sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all exhibits to this Report and any and all exhibits and schedules
thereto, (iii) act on, sign and file any and all such certificates, notices, communications, reports, instruments, agreements and other
documents as may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith and (iv) take any and all such actions which may be necessary or
appropriate in connection therewith, granting unto such agents, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, and each of them individually, full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes
as he or she might or could do in person, and hereby approving, ratifying and confirming all that such agents, proxies and attorneys-in-fact,
any of them or any of his, her or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE(S)
TITLE(S)
DATE
/s/ Christopher J. McGurk
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors (Principal Executive Officer)
July 29, 2021
Christopher J. McGurk
/s/ Gary S. Loffredo
President, Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
July 29, 2021
Gary S. Loffredo
/s/ Peter C. Brown
Director
July 29, 2021
Peter C. Brown
Director
Tom Bu
/s/ Patrick O´Brien
Director
July 29, 2021
Patrick O´Brien
Director
Peixin Xu
75