Distributor Verve Pictures has revealed the first trailer for “Inland,” headlined by Oscar-winning thespian Mark Rylance.
The film marks the debut of Fridtjof Ryder and alongside Ryland the cast includes Rory Alexander (“Pistol”), Kathryn Hunter (“Andor”), Eleanor Holliday, Alexander Lincoln (“The Fence”), Nell Williams (“The Good Liar”) and Shaun Dingwall (“Top Boy”).
Described as a “modern folktale,” “Inland” explores the fractured identity of a young man after the mysterious disappearance of his mother. Guided by a father figure (Rylance) and old friends who care deeply, his journey through the dreamlike spaces of rural England brings him face to face with the loss that haunts him in ways he could never have expected.
The film had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in 2022 and was nominated for the Raindance Discovery Award.
“Inland” is produced by Henry Richmond, Louis Paine and Fridtjof Ryder in association with Twenty 20 Media, Fablemaze,...
The film marks the debut of Fridtjof Ryder and alongside Ryland the cast includes Rory Alexander (“Pistol”), Kathryn Hunter (“Andor”), Eleanor Holliday, Alexander Lincoln (“The Fence”), Nell Williams (“The Good Liar”) and Shaun Dingwall (“Top Boy”).
Described as a “modern folktale,” “Inland” explores the fractured identity of a young man after the mysterious disappearance of his mother. Guided by a father figure (Rylance) and old friends who care deeply, his journey through the dreamlike spaces of rural England brings him face to face with the loss that haunts him in ways he could never have expected.
The film had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in 2022 and was nominated for the Raindance Discovery Award.
“Inland” is produced by Henry Richmond, Louis Paine and Fridtjof Ryder in association with Twenty 20 Media, Fablemaze,...
- 5/15/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The film debuted at last year’s BFI London Film Festival.
Verve Pictures has acquired UK distribution rights to Inland, a modern folktale starring Mark Rylance which premiered at last year’s BFI London Film Festival.
Verve will release the film in UK cinemas in June 2023. The release is supported by funding from the BFI’s First Feature Distribution Support Scheme.
The film is the feature debut of UK-based director Fridtjof Ryder, with Rory Alexander and Kathryn Hunter starring alongside Rylance.
It explores the fractured identity of a young man after the mysterious disappearance of his mother, as he is...
Verve Pictures has acquired UK distribution rights to Inland, a modern folktale starring Mark Rylance which premiered at last year’s BFI London Film Festival.
Verve will release the film in UK cinemas in June 2023. The release is supported by funding from the BFI’s First Feature Distribution Support Scheme.
The film is the feature debut of UK-based director Fridtjof Ryder, with Rory Alexander and Kathryn Hunter starring alongside Rylance.
It explores the fractured identity of a young man after the mysterious disappearance of his mother, as he is...
- 4/21/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The Wavelength title debuted at Telluride.
UK-based sales firm MetFilm Sales has acquired worldwide sales rights excluding US, Germany and France to Thomas von Steinaecker’s documentary Werner Herzog: Radical Dreamer.
The German-uk co-production had its world premiere at Telluride Film Festival in September, before going on to play Cologne, IDFA, Cork and Santa Barbara film festivals.
Radical Dreamer combines archive material and interviews with both German director Herzog, and collaborators including Christian Bale, Nicole Kidman and Werner’s wife Lena Herzog.
It is presented by US studio Wavelength, and produced by the UK’s Spring Films and Germany’s...
UK-based sales firm MetFilm Sales has acquired worldwide sales rights excluding US, Germany and France to Thomas von Steinaecker’s documentary Werner Herzog: Radical Dreamer.
The German-uk co-production had its world premiere at Telluride Film Festival in September, before going on to play Cologne, IDFA, Cork and Santa Barbara film festivals.
Radical Dreamer combines archive material and interviews with both German director Herzog, and collaborators including Christian Bale, Nicole Kidman and Werner’s wife Lena Herzog.
It is presented by US studio Wavelength, and produced by the UK’s Spring Films and Germany’s...
- 2/18/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
MetFilm Distribution has acquired U.K. and Ireland rights to Vinay Shukla’s documentary “While We Watched.”
Produced by the U.K.’s Lono Studio and BritDoc Films, the documentary is a newsroom drama intimately chronicling the working days of Indian broadcast journalist Ravish Kumar as he navigates a spiralling world of truth and disinformation. Kumar, a Ramon Magsaysay Award winner, was a senior journalist at Indian news platform Ndtv, who resigned after billionaire Gautam Adani took over the company.
“While We Watched” debuted at Toronto in 2022 where it won the Amplify Voices award, followed by Busan, where it won the Cinephile award. Most recently, the film won the international competition at Helsinki’s DocPoint Festival.
Shukla previously co-directed controversial Indian political documentary “An Insignificant Man.”
Shukla said: “ ‘While We Watched’ is my love letter to journalism. It’s an urgent newsroom horror film — there is a story of hope...
Produced by the U.K.’s Lono Studio and BritDoc Films, the documentary is a newsroom drama intimately chronicling the working days of Indian broadcast journalist Ravish Kumar as he navigates a spiralling world of truth and disinformation. Kumar, a Ramon Magsaysay Award winner, was a senior journalist at Indian news platform Ndtv, who resigned after billionaire Gautam Adani took over the company.
“While We Watched” debuted at Toronto in 2022 where it won the Amplify Voices award, followed by Busan, where it won the Cinephile award. Most recently, the film won the international competition at Helsinki’s DocPoint Festival.
Shukla previously co-directed controversial Indian political documentary “An Insignificant Man.”
Shukla said: “ ‘While We Watched’ is my love letter to journalism. It’s an urgent newsroom horror film — there is a story of hope...
- 2/13/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The film follows two range riders who spend one final summer herding cattle in Idaho.
UK-based MetFilm Sales has acquired worldwide rights excluding the US to Emelie Mahdavian’s documentary Bitterbrush, and will introduce the title to buyers at next month’s European Film Market in Berlin.
The film had its world premiere at Telluride Film Festival in September 2021, going on to play Sydney, Visions du Reel and San Francisco. Magnolia Pictures previously acquired US rights, releasing the title theatrically in summer 2022.
Bitterbrush follows two range riders spending one last summer herding cattle in remote Idaho. With only their dogs as companions,...
UK-based MetFilm Sales has acquired worldwide rights excluding the US to Emelie Mahdavian’s documentary Bitterbrush, and will introduce the title to buyers at next month’s European Film Market in Berlin.
The film had its world premiere at Telluride Film Festival in September 2021, going on to play Sydney, Visions du Reel and San Francisco. Magnolia Pictures previously acquired US rights, releasing the title theatrically in summer 2022.
Bitterbrush follows two range riders spending one last summer herding cattle in remote Idaho. With only their dogs as companions,...
- 1/26/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
It is the first hire for the recently launched distribution outfit.
MetFilm Distribution, the UK outfit that launched in October, has named its first hire, with Wayne D’Cruz joining as distribution manager.
D’Cruz has managed UK distribution at arthouse documentary specialist Dartmouth Films since 2018. During his tenure he has released 35 independent documentaries, including The Ponds, Eric Ravilious: Drawn To War (winner of the Big Screen award for documentary campaign of the year), Bafta Scotland winner Dying To Divorce and Bifa winner Children Of The Snow Land. In 2019, he won in the rising star category at the Screen Awards.
MetFilm...
MetFilm Distribution, the UK outfit that launched in October, has named its first hire, with Wayne D’Cruz joining as distribution manager.
D’Cruz has managed UK distribution at arthouse documentary specialist Dartmouth Films since 2018. During his tenure he has released 35 independent documentaries, including The Ponds, Eric Ravilious: Drawn To War (winner of the Big Screen award for documentary campaign of the year), Bafta Scotland winner Dying To Divorce and Bifa winner Children Of The Snow Land. In 2019, he won in the rising star category at the Screen Awards.
MetFilm...
- 11/30/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
‘No Bears’, ‘A Bunch Of Amateurs’, ‘Retrograde’ as counter-programming.
UK-Ireland cinemas are looking for Disney blockbuster sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to inject new life into the box office this weekend as the film opens in a hefty 700 cinemas.
The release is over 100 sites up on the 588-site opening of 2018’s Black Panther. That film started with a £10.5m weekend and £17.7m total opening at a colossal average of £30,105 per site.
Black Panther took more in its first six days than the entire runs of most other films introducing a new character to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), including The Incredible Hulk...
UK-Ireland cinemas are looking for Disney blockbuster sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to inject new life into the box office this weekend as the film opens in a hefty 700 cinemas.
The release is over 100 sites up on the 588-site opening of 2018’s Black Panther. That film started with a £10.5m weekend and £17.7m total opening at a colossal average of £30,105 per site.
Black Panther took more in its first six days than the entire runs of most other films introducing a new character to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), including The Incredible Hulk...
- 11/11/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: CAA Media Finance has picked up North American sales rights to the folk-thriller Inland, starring Mark Rylance.
Billed as a “modern folktale,” the film explores a young man’s fractured identity after his mother’s mysterious disappearance. Guided by a father figure and old friends who care deeply, his journey through the dreamlike spaces of rural England brings him face to face with the loss that haunts him in ways he could never have expected.
Inland is the first feature from writer-director Fridtjof Ryder. The film had its World Premiere at the 66th BFI London Film Festival, where it featured in the festival’s Official Selection category. The film has also been longlisted for 5 awards at this year’s British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs).
Rylance is also an Executive Producer on the project and he stars alongside Rory Alexander, Kathryn Hunter, Eleanor Holliday, Alexander Lincoln, Nell Williams, and Shaun Dingwall.
Billed as a “modern folktale,” the film explores a young man’s fractured identity after his mother’s mysterious disappearance. Guided by a father figure and old friends who care deeply, his journey through the dreamlike spaces of rural England brings him face to face with the loss that haunts him in ways he could never have expected.
Inland is the first feature from writer-director Fridtjof Ryder. The film had its World Premiere at the 66th BFI London Film Festival, where it featured in the festival’s Official Selection category. The film has also been longlisted for 5 awards at this year’s British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs).
Rylance is also an Executive Producer on the project and he stars alongside Rory Alexander, Kathryn Hunter, Eleanor Holliday, Alexander Lincoln, Nell Williams, and Shaun Dingwall.
- 10/27/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Rylance-led thriller “Inland” has been picked up for international sales by Paris-based sales agent Wide ahead of its BFI London Film Festival premiere.
Produced by Black Twist Films, the film stars Rory Alexander, Mark Rylance and Kathryn Hunter and plays in the official selection of the U.K. festival.
“Inland” is a modern folktale that explores the fractured identity of a young man after the mysterious disappearance of his mother. Guided by a father figure and old friends who care deeply, his journey through the dreamlike spaces of rural England brings him face to face with the loss that haunts him in ways he could never have expected.
The pic marks the directorial debut of director-screenwriter Fridtjof Ryder, and stars Eleanor Holliday, Alexander Lincoln, Nell Williams and Shaun Dingwall. It is produced by Henry Richmond, Louis Paine and Ryder, in association with Twenty 20 Media, Fablemaze, Fatcontman, Dva Films,...
Produced by Black Twist Films, the film stars Rory Alexander, Mark Rylance and Kathryn Hunter and plays in the official selection of the U.K. festival.
“Inland” is a modern folktale that explores the fractured identity of a young man after the mysterious disappearance of his mother. Guided by a father figure and old friends who care deeply, his journey through the dreamlike spaces of rural England brings him face to face with the loss that haunts him in ways he could never have expected.
The pic marks the directorial debut of director-screenwriter Fridtjof Ryder, and stars Eleanor Holliday, Alexander Lincoln, Nell Williams and Shaun Dingwall. It is produced by Henry Richmond, Louis Paine and Ryder, in association with Twenty 20 Media, Fablemaze, Fatcontman, Dva Films,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
MetFilm Sales has acquired worldwide sales rights, excluding the U.K., to filmmaker Margy Kinmonth’s feature documentary “Eric Ravilious: Drawn to War.”
Written, directed and produced by Kinmonth, executive produced by Maureen Murray and made by Foxtrot Films, the film is the true story of one of Britain’s greatest landscape artists. Eric Ravilious was the first war artist to die in WWII. Set against the wartime locations that inspired him, the film brings to life the undervalued British artist.
Made in co-operation with Imperial War Museums, the documentary unfolds in Ravilious’ own words, through previously unseen private correspondence and rare archive film. Shot entirely on location in the U.K., Portugal and Ireland, the film features contributions from Ai Weiwei, Alan Bennett, Grayson Perry, Robert Macfarlane, Freddy Fox and Tamsin Greig.
Currently on theatrical release in the U.K., the film has grossed more than £275,000 at the box...
Written, directed and produced by Kinmonth, executive produced by Maureen Murray and made by Foxtrot Films, the film is the true story of one of Britain’s greatest landscape artists. Eric Ravilious was the first war artist to die in WWII. Set against the wartime locations that inspired him, the film brings to life the undervalued British artist.
Made in co-operation with Imperial War Museums, the documentary unfolds in Ravilious’ own words, through previously unseen private correspondence and rare archive film. Shot entirely on location in the U.K., Portugal and Ireland, the film features contributions from Ai Weiwei, Alan Bennett, Grayson Perry, Robert Macfarlane, Freddy Fox and Tamsin Greig.
Currently on theatrical release in the U.K., the film has grossed more than £275,000 at the box...
- 10/8/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The shortlist will be announced the week beginning October 10.
The final round of judges for Screen’s revamped The Big Screen Awards has been unveiled.
Featured in the final batch of judges are producer, consultant and former president of international marketing at 20th Century Fox Kieran Breen; Netflix’s director of distribution for Emea Hamish Moseley; and Anton’s vice president for international marketing and publicity, Karina Gechtman.
Also joining the judging panel are Warp Films’ joint CEO Mark Herbert, and distribution and marketing consultant at IHeartCinema, Deborah Sheppard.
Book a table here
The full list of judges for the...
The final round of judges for Screen’s revamped The Big Screen Awards has been unveiled.
Featured in the final batch of judges are producer, consultant and former president of international marketing at 20th Century Fox Kieran Breen; Netflix’s director of distribution for Emea Hamish Moseley; and Anton’s vice president for international marketing and publicity, Karina Gechtman.
Also joining the judging panel are Warp Films’ joint CEO Mark Herbert, and distribution and marketing consultant at IHeartCinema, Deborah Sheppard.
Book a table here
The full list of judges for the...
- 10/4/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
‘In Camera’ is BBC Film and BFI-backed, and unites several Screen Stars of Tomorrow.
UK filmmaker Naqqash Khalid has wrapped a six-week shoot in Manchester on his debut feature In Camera, which stars Nabhaan Rizwan, Amir El-Masry and Rory Fleck Byrne.
The film is produced by Juliette Larthe for the UK arm of UK-us production firm Prettybird, and by former BFI exec Mary Burke for her new UK company Public Dreams. Larthe developed the script alongside Khalid.
Developed with BBC Film, In Camera is financed by BBC Film and the BFI, and in association with Uncommon Creative Studio.
In...
UK filmmaker Naqqash Khalid has wrapped a six-week shoot in Manchester on his debut feature In Camera, which stars Nabhaan Rizwan, Amir El-Masry and Rory Fleck Byrne.
The film is produced by Juliette Larthe for the UK arm of UK-us production firm Prettybird, and by former BFI exec Mary Burke for her new UK company Public Dreams. Larthe developed the script alongside Khalid.
Developed with BBC Film, In Camera is financed by BBC Film and the BFI, and in association with Uncommon Creative Studio.
In...
- 9/28/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Kaplinsky takes over from Patrick Swaffer, who ends a 10-year tenure.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has appointed newsreader, presenter and journalist Natasha Kaplinsky as its new president.
Kaplinsky will replace current president Patrick Swaffer, who steps down after a decade in the role, from October.
Through her president role, she will be a member of the BBFC Board of Directors, and will chair the Board of Classification, which meets monthly.
She will also chair the Advisory Council on Children’s Viewing, which meets three times a year to advise the BBFC on issues concerning children and young people.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has appointed newsreader, presenter and journalist Natasha Kaplinsky as its new president.
Kaplinsky will replace current president Patrick Swaffer, who steps down after a decade in the role, from October.
Through her president role, she will be a member of the BBFC Board of Directors, and will chair the Board of Classification, which meets monthly.
She will also chair the Advisory Council on Children’s Viewing, which meets three times a year to advise the BBFC on issues concerning children and young people.
- 9/28/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
MetFilm is expanding into distribution with the acquisition of U.K. distribution company Republic Film Distribution (“Brittany Runs a Marathon”).
Republic, which is run by former Icon Films exec Zak Brilliant, will be re-branded as MetFilm Distribution. Brilliant will take on the role of head of MetFilm distribution and MetFilm sales, working with the existing sales team, comprised of Mitch Clare, Jenny Bohnhoff and Ella Pham. The company is already planning to increase its headcount.
MetFilm Distribution will aim to release six to eight titles annually. The films they take on will have a strong theatrical focus, starting with November’s “A Bunch of Amateurs” by Kim Hopkins, which won the Sheffield DocFest audience award.
Upcoming releases on the slate include Lena Dunham’s “Catherine, Called Birdy” in partnership with Amazon Studios.
MetFilm Sales will be more concentrated on documentaries, including the upcoming “Body Parts,” which stars Jane Fonda and...
Republic, which is run by former Icon Films exec Zak Brilliant, will be re-branded as MetFilm Distribution. Brilliant will take on the role of head of MetFilm distribution and MetFilm sales, working with the existing sales team, comprised of Mitch Clare, Jenny Bohnhoff and Ella Pham. The company is already planning to increase its headcount.
MetFilm Distribution will aim to release six to eight titles annually. The films they take on will have a strong theatrical focus, starting with November’s “A Bunch of Amateurs” by Kim Hopkins, which won the Sheffield DocFest audience award.
Upcoming releases on the slate include Lena Dunham’s “Catherine, Called Birdy” in partnership with Amazon Studios.
MetFilm Sales will be more concentrated on documentaries, including the upcoming “Body Parts,” which stars Jane Fonda and...
- 9/28/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Acquisition marks the start of a new division at MetFilm.
UK independent production and sales firm MetFilm has moved into distribution with the acquisition of Republic Film Distribution, the distribution company run by former Icon Films executive Zak Brilliant.
Brilliant will operate as head of MetFilm Distribution, a new distribution division of MetFilm, and will also be head of MetFilm Sales.
MetFilm Distribution will aim to release six to eight titles per year, and says the majority of its releases “will have a strong theatrical focus”. It is planning to make further staff hires soon.
Film plans
It will take on Republic’s all-rights slate,...
UK independent production and sales firm MetFilm has moved into distribution with the acquisition of Republic Film Distribution, the distribution company run by former Icon Films executive Zak Brilliant.
Brilliant will operate as head of MetFilm Distribution, a new distribution division of MetFilm, and will also be head of MetFilm Sales.
MetFilm Distribution will aim to release six to eight titles per year, and says the majority of its releases “will have a strong theatrical focus”. It is planning to make further staff hires soon.
Film plans
It will take on Republic’s all-rights slate,...
- 9/28/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
MetFilm has acquired Republic Film Distribution, the UK distribution company run by former Icon Films executive Zak Brilliant.
As part of the acquisition, MetFilm Group will create a new division called MetFilm Distribution with Brilliant taking on the dual role of Head of MetFilm Distribution and MetFilm Sales.
“We’re really delighted to be working with Zak,” said Stew le Maréchal, head of MetFilm Production. “He brings a wealth of experience and was the perfect person to help us expand the organisation. This move diversifies our portfolio and enables us to react more nimbly to the ever-changing marketplace.”
Founded in 2019, Republic Film Distribution is a boutique distribution company that operates as an all-rights distributor as well as a theatrical servicing partner. Notable releases from the company include Brittany Runs a Marathon and For Sama. The company recently released Lena Dunham’s Catherine, Called Birdy in theatres in partnership with Amazon Studios.
As part of the acquisition, MetFilm Group will create a new division called MetFilm Distribution with Brilliant taking on the dual role of Head of MetFilm Distribution and MetFilm Sales.
“We’re really delighted to be working with Zak,” said Stew le Maréchal, head of MetFilm Production. “He brings a wealth of experience and was the perfect person to help us expand the organisation. This move diversifies our portfolio and enables us to react more nimbly to the ever-changing marketplace.”
Founded in 2019, Republic Film Distribution is a boutique distribution company that operates as an all-rights distributor as well as a theatrical servicing partner. Notable releases from the company include Brittany Runs a Marathon and For Sama. The company recently released Lena Dunham’s Catherine, Called Birdy in theatres in partnership with Amazon Studios.
- 9/28/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The awards will be held on November 24 at The Brewery, London.
The second group of judges for The Big Screen Awards 2022, the relaunched version of the Screen Awards, has been announced with just over 24 hours left before the entry deadline closes end of play on Friday, September 23.
Click here to enter
Among the new batch of judges are Lionsgate UK’s head of theatrical Matt Smith; Film Distributors’ Association CEO Andy Leyshon; Republic Films founder Zak Brilliant; Mubi’s director of distribution for Europe, Natalie Ralph; and director of marketing and external relations at the National Film & Television School (Nfts), Ijeoma Akigwe.
The second group of judges for The Big Screen Awards 2022, the relaunched version of the Screen Awards, has been announced with just over 24 hours left before the entry deadline closes end of play on Friday, September 23.
Click here to enter
Among the new batch of judges are Lionsgate UK’s head of theatrical Matt Smith; Film Distributors’ Association CEO Andy Leyshon; Republic Films founder Zak Brilliant; Mubi’s director of distribution for Europe, Natalie Ralph; and director of marketing and external relations at the National Film & Television School (Nfts), Ijeoma Akigwe.
- 9/22/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Three executives discuss their plans with Screen.
Independent UK distributors are feeling positive heading into the reopening of cinemas across the territory from next week (May 17), while noting ongoing confusion about the theatrical windows across different exhibitors.
“For the next few weeks, we’re fully concentrated on the theatrical experience,” says Rupert Preston, CEO at Vertigo Releasing which is distributing Oscar winner Sound Of Metal from Monday. “Digital and everything else will follow in a month or two.”
Sound Of Metal, starring Riz Ahmed as a heavy metal drummer who suffers sudden onset deafness, will play in 300 cinemas by the end of May.
Independent UK distributors are feeling positive heading into the reopening of cinemas across the territory from next week (May 17), while noting ongoing confusion about the theatrical windows across different exhibitors.
“For the next few weeks, we’re fully concentrated on the theatrical experience,” says Rupert Preston, CEO at Vertigo Releasing which is distributing Oscar winner Sound Of Metal from Monday. “Digital and everything else will follow in a month or two.”
Sound Of Metal, starring Riz Ahmed as a heavy metal drummer who suffers sudden onset deafness, will play in 300 cinemas by the end of May.
- 5/14/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Eammon Ashton-Atkinson’s documentary centres on the world’s first gay rugby club.
Amazon has secured UK and Ireland rights to Eammon Ashton-Atkinson’s Steelers and will launch it exclusively on Prime Video.
The documentary, which centres on the world’s first gay and inclusive rugby club, will be made available on the streaming platform from April 16.
The Amazon deal was secured directly with Australian director Ashton-Atkinson and Republic Film Distribution’s Zak Brilliant, who serves as executive producer on the film.
Originally scheduled to debut at last year’s BFI Flare: London Lgbtiq+ Film Festival before its cancellation, the...
Amazon has secured UK and Ireland rights to Eammon Ashton-Atkinson’s Steelers and will launch it exclusively on Prime Video.
The documentary, which centres on the world’s first gay and inclusive rugby club, will be made available on the streaming platform from April 16.
The Amazon deal was secured directly with Australian director Ashton-Atkinson and Republic Film Distribution’s Zak Brilliant, who serves as executive producer on the film.
Originally scheduled to debut at last year’s BFI Flare: London Lgbtiq+ Film Festival before its cancellation, the...
- 3/25/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Update, 6Am: Deadline understands Amazon is not currently bidding for rights to rugby union’s Six Nations Championship, despite a report in The Times saying that it was making a play for the sporting event. The Times is now reporting that Amazon has prioritized securing rights to international matches in the fall.
Previous, 3Am: Amazon is set to double down on its sports output in the UK by taking rights to rugby union’s Six Nations Championship in a shared deal with the BBC and ITV, according to British newspaper The Times. The news emerged on the same day as Amazon announced it will premiere gay rugby film Steelers on April 16 in the UK and Ireland.
The Times reported that Amazon Prime Video will be the first pay-tv partner for the Six Nations, a showpiece rugby tournament between England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Italy. The streamer will take on rights from next year,...
Previous, 3Am: Amazon is set to double down on its sports output in the UK by taking rights to rugby union’s Six Nations Championship in a shared deal with the BBC and ITV, according to British newspaper The Times. The news emerged on the same day as Amazon announced it will premiere gay rugby film Steelers on April 16 in the UK and Ireland.
The Times reported that Amazon Prime Video will be the first pay-tv partner for the Six Nations, a showpiece rugby tournament between England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Italy. The streamer will take on rights from next year,...
- 3/25/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The film follows an Iranian couple who are forced to flee their country when their affair and child become public.
Zak Brilliant’s Republic Film Distribution has set a UK and Ireland theatrical release date of Noember 6, 2020 for Eva Mulvad’s Iranian refugee documentary Love Child in the latest positive news for the market’s devasated distribution sector.
Love Child premiered in TIFF Docs at Toronto 2019, and has since toured the festival circuit at Idfa and Chicago, where it won best documentary. Since the coronavirus shutdown, it has played at online versions of Cph:dox and the Human Rights Watch Film...
Zak Brilliant’s Republic Film Distribution has set a UK and Ireland theatrical release date of Noember 6, 2020 for Eva Mulvad’s Iranian refugee documentary Love Child in the latest positive news for the market’s devasated distribution sector.
Love Child premiered in TIFF Docs at Toronto 2019, and has since toured the festival circuit at Idfa and Chicago, where it won best documentary. Since the coronavirus shutdown, it has played at online versions of Cph:dox and the Human Rights Watch Film...
- 8/27/2020
- by 88¦Louise Tutt¦115¦
- ScreenDaily
Has played festival circuit at Toronto, Idfa, Cph:dox.
Republic Film Distribution has picked up UK and Ireland rights to Eva Mulvad’s Love Child, a Danish documentary about Iranian refugees from Autlook Film Sales.
It will release the film theatrically in the UK and Ireland later in the year. ”We plan to release in theatres this autumn, at which point we dearly hope UK and Irish independent cinemas will be firing again on all cylinders,” Republic founder Zak Brilliant told Screen.
Love Child premiered in Tiff Docs at Toronto 2019, and has since toured the festival circuit at Idfa and Chicago,...
Republic Film Distribution has picked up UK and Ireland rights to Eva Mulvad’s Love Child, a Danish documentary about Iranian refugees from Autlook Film Sales.
It will release the film theatrically in the UK and Ireland later in the year. ”We plan to release in theatres this autumn, at which point we dearly hope UK and Irish independent cinemas will be firing again on all cylinders,” Republic founder Zak Brilliant told Screen.
Love Child premiered in Tiff Docs at Toronto 2019, and has since toured the festival circuit at Idfa and Chicago,...
- 6/25/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
The film centres on New York’s obsessive book vendors.
Republic Film Distribution has picked up all UK and Ireland rights to Us title The Booksellers, Dw Young’s documentary about book dealers and collectors in New York.
The company is planning a late June/early July release for the film.
Republic founder Zak Brilliant confirmed to Screen that he would “love to release the film in cinemas”, but that “very much depends what’s possible at the time.”
The Booksellers premiered at New York Film Festival last October, and was released in the Us by Greenwich Entertainment in early March,...
Republic Film Distribution has picked up all UK and Ireland rights to Us title The Booksellers, Dw Young’s documentary about book dealers and collectors in New York.
The company is planning a late June/early July release for the film.
Republic founder Zak Brilliant confirmed to Screen that he would “love to release the film in cinemas”, but that “very much depends what’s possible at the time.”
The Booksellers premiered at New York Film Festival last October, and was released in the Us by Greenwich Entertainment in early March,...
- 5/6/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Fledgling UK distribution company Republic Film Distribution has acquired all UK rights to the feature documentary Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am, directed and produced by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.
The Sundance debut is currently on release in the U.S. through Magnolia Pictures generating near $900K at the box office.
The doc charts the late writer’s journey from her childhood in the steel town of Lorain, Ohio, to ʼ70s-era book tours with Muhammad Ali, the front lines with Angela Davis, her own riverfront writing room and a Nobel Prize. The esteemed writer passed away in August after a short illness, aged 88.
Talking heads include Hilton Als, Angela Davis, Fran Lebowitz, Walter Mosley, Sonia Sanchez and Oprah Winfrey, who starred in the feature version of Morrison’s novel Beloved.
Republic, run by former Icon exec Zak Brilliant, plans to release the film in the UK in early 2020, working with...
The Sundance debut is currently on release in the U.S. through Magnolia Pictures generating near $900K at the box office.
The doc charts the late writer’s journey from her childhood in the steel town of Lorain, Ohio, to ʼ70s-era book tours with Muhammad Ali, the front lines with Angela Davis, her own riverfront writing room and a Nobel Prize. The esteemed writer passed away in August after a short illness, aged 88.
Talking heads include Hilton Als, Angela Davis, Fran Lebowitz, Walter Mosley, Sonia Sanchez and Oprah Winfrey, who starred in the feature version of Morrison’s novel Beloved.
Republic, run by former Icon exec Zak Brilliant, plans to release the film in the UK in early 2020, working with...
- 9/10/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Icon executive Zak Brilliant’s adds two titles to nascent company’s slate.
Republic Film Distribution, the nascent UK releasing company set up by Zak Brilliant, has made two significant theatrical acquisitions: Amazon Studios’ Brittany Runs A Marathon, and UK feature documentary For Sama, which has had acclaimed screenings at SXSW and Cannes.
Republic is positioning itself as both a boutique distributor and theatrical servicing company, with a focus on independent films with social impact.
Paul Downs Colaizzo’s Brittany Runs A Marathon premiered at Sundance in the Us Dramatic Competition and was picked up by Amazon Studios in...
Republic Film Distribution, the nascent UK releasing company set up by Zak Brilliant, has made two significant theatrical acquisitions: Amazon Studios’ Brittany Runs A Marathon, and UK feature documentary For Sama, which has had acclaimed screenings at SXSW and Cannes.
Republic is positioning itself as both a boutique distributor and theatrical servicing company, with a focus on independent films with social impact.
Paul Downs Colaizzo’s Brittany Runs A Marathon premiered at Sundance in the Us Dramatic Competition and was picked up by Amazon Studios in...
- 7/11/2019
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Former Icon executive Zak Brilliant’s adds two titles to nascent company’s slate.
Republic Film Distribution, the nascent UK releasing company set up by Zak Brilliant, has made two significant theatrical acquisitions: Amazon Studios’ Brittany Runs A Marathon, and UK feature documentary For Sama, which has had acclaimed screenings at SXSW and Cannes.
Republic is positioning itself as both a boutique distributor and theatrical servicing company, with a focus on independent films with social impact.
Paul Downs Colaizzo’s Brittany Runs A Marathon premiered at Sundance in the Us Dramatic Competition and was picked up by Amazon Studios in...
Republic Film Distribution, the nascent UK releasing company set up by Zak Brilliant, has made two significant theatrical acquisitions: Amazon Studios’ Brittany Runs A Marathon, and UK feature documentary For Sama, which has had acclaimed screenings at SXSW and Cannes.
Republic is positioning itself as both a boutique distributor and theatrical servicing company, with a focus on independent films with social impact.
Paul Downs Colaizzo’s Brittany Runs A Marathon premiered at Sundance in the Us Dramatic Competition and was picked up by Amazon Studios in...
- 7/11/2019
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Zak Brilliant’s Republic Film Distribution to release title in Feb 2019.
Republic Film Distribution has picked up UK rights to James Gardner’s festival hit Jellyfish from Bankside Films.
The film will have a platform release in UK cinemas from February 8.
Republic is the UK label run by Zak Brilliant, former head of distribution at the now-defunct Icon Film Distribution. Republic also recently handled the UK release of Tom Edmunds’ Dead In A Week: Or Your Money Back.
Bankside has also sealed a UK home entertainment deal for the film with Signature Films. Vertical Entertainment previously bought Us rights.
Jellyfish...
Republic Film Distribution has picked up UK rights to James Gardner’s festival hit Jellyfish from Bankside Films.
The film will have a platform release in UK cinemas from February 8.
Republic is the UK label run by Zak Brilliant, former head of distribution at the now-defunct Icon Film Distribution. Republic also recently handled the UK release of Tom Edmunds’ Dead In A Week: Or Your Money Back.
Bankside has also sealed a UK home entertainment deal for the film with Signature Films. Vertical Entertainment previously bought Us rights.
Jellyfish...
- 12/5/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Head of distribution Zak Brilliant has left the company.
After months of speculation, UK distributor Icon Film Distribution has been sold to home entertainment specialists Kaleidoscope and main investor Schneider Media Investments (Smi), a source has confirmed to Screen.
The deal follows a number of misfires for Icon. The company’s early hits included horrors The Babadook and It Follows but expensive disappointments since then have included Russell Crowe-Ryan Gosling starrer The Nice Guys, Nicolas Winding Refn’s Neon Demon, John Michael McDonagh’s War On Everyone and Tom Hanks comedy-drama A Hologram For The King.
Icon’s...
After months of speculation, UK distributor Icon Film Distribution has been sold to home entertainment specialists Kaleidoscope and main investor Schneider Media Investments (Smi), a source has confirmed to Screen.
The deal follows a number of misfires for Icon. The company’s early hits included horrors The Babadook and It Follows but expensive disappointments since then have included Russell Crowe-Ryan Gosling starrer The Nice Guys, Nicolas Winding Refn’s Neon Demon, John Michael McDonagh’s War On Everyone and Tom Hanks comedy-drama A Hologram For The King.
Icon’s...
- 3/7/2018
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Disney juggernaut set to play in a host of UK independent cinemas but some venues are resisting.
As UK independent cinemas increasingly bite on blockbusters and studio-level films, the majority of London’s independent cinemas will be screening Star Wars: The Force Awakens from Thursday, December 17.
A fleet of London independents, including most of the capital’s Picturehouse and Curzon venues, are due to show the film, helping to boost the site count beyond an expected 600+ venues.
For some, however, it wasn’t an easy decision.
Kate McCarthy, head of business operations at single screen indie stalwart The Phoenix, told Screen:
“The decision was taken to show Star Wars after quite a bit of discussion with our trustees, because obviously it’s not the regular choice for us.”
“We felt we wouldn’t do Star Wars and Spectre because it makes the ‘independent cinema’ tag slightly less true…but we hope it will enable us to show...
As UK independent cinemas increasingly bite on blockbusters and studio-level films, the majority of London’s independent cinemas will be screening Star Wars: The Force Awakens from Thursday, December 17.
A fleet of London independents, including most of the capital’s Picturehouse and Curzon venues, are due to show the film, helping to boost the site count beyond an expected 600+ venues.
For some, however, it wasn’t an easy decision.
Kate McCarthy, head of business operations at single screen indie stalwart The Phoenix, told Screen:
“The decision was taken to show Star Wars after quite a bit of discussion with our trustees, because obviously it’s not the regular choice for us.”
“We felt we wouldn’t do Star Wars and Spectre because it makes the ‘independent cinema’ tag slightly less true…but we hope it will enable us to show...
- 12/15/2015
- ScreenDaily
Disney juggernaut set to play in a host of UK independent cinemas but some venues remain defiant.
As UK independent cinemas increasingly bite on blockbusters and studio-level films, the majority of London’s independent cinemas will be screening Star Wars: The Force Awakens from Thursday, December 17.
A fleet of London independents, including most of the capital’s Picturehouse and Curzon venues, are due to show the film, helping to boost the site count beyond an expected 600+ venues.
For some, however, it wasn’t an easy choice.
Kate McCarthy, head of business operations at single screen indie stalwart The Phoenix, told Screen:
“The decision was taken to show Star Wars after quite a bit of discussion with our trustees, because obviously it’s not the regular choice for us.”
“We felt we wouldn’t do Star Wars and Spectre because it makes the ‘independent cinema’ tag slightly less true…but we hope it will enable us to show...
As UK independent cinemas increasingly bite on blockbusters and studio-level films, the majority of London’s independent cinemas will be screening Star Wars: The Force Awakens from Thursday, December 17.
A fleet of London independents, including most of the capital’s Picturehouse and Curzon venues, are due to show the film, helping to boost the site count beyond an expected 600+ venues.
For some, however, it wasn’t an easy choice.
Kate McCarthy, head of business operations at single screen indie stalwart The Phoenix, told Screen:
“The decision was taken to show Star Wars after quite a bit of discussion with our trustees, because obviously it’s not the regular choice for us.”
“We felt we wouldn’t do Star Wars and Spectre because it makes the ‘independent cinema’ tag slightly less true…but we hope it will enable us to show...
- 12/15/2015
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The Sand and Aaaaaaaah! among first FrightFest Presents acquisitions.
UK distributor Icon Film Distribution and UK horror festival FrightFest have set the first films to be released under their FrightFest Presents banner.
An initial seven genre films have been selected by the distributor and festival for the new online label, with others to be added soon.
The films will premiere at FrightFest, which gets underway in London on Thursday (Aug 27), before unspooling online between October and February 2016.
Digital partners will include iTunes, Virgin Movies, Sky, Google Amazon, Xbox , Blinkbox, Google, Wuaki, TalkTalk and Volta.
First titles
Among the first batch of titles is Sightseers actor-writer Steve Oram’s surreal ‘monkey comedy’ Aaaaaaaah!, which Icon will release online this October.
Oram stars alongside Noel Fielding (The Mighty Boosh), Alice Lowe (Sightseers), Lucy Honnigman (The Ex-pm), Julian Rhind-Tutt (Lucy), Julian Barratt (The Mighty Boosh) and Toyah Willcox (Quadrophenia) in the story of a tribe of warring ‘monkeys’.
Creature...
UK distributor Icon Film Distribution and UK horror festival FrightFest have set the first films to be released under their FrightFest Presents banner.
An initial seven genre films have been selected by the distributor and festival for the new online label, with others to be added soon.
The films will premiere at FrightFest, which gets underway in London on Thursday (Aug 27), before unspooling online between October and February 2016.
Digital partners will include iTunes, Virgin Movies, Sky, Google Amazon, Xbox , Blinkbox, Google, Wuaki, TalkTalk and Volta.
First titles
Among the first batch of titles is Sightseers actor-writer Steve Oram’s surreal ‘monkey comedy’ Aaaaaaaah!, which Icon will release online this October.
Oram stars alongside Noel Fielding (The Mighty Boosh), Alice Lowe (Sightseers), Lucy Honnigman (The Ex-pm), Julian Rhind-Tutt (Lucy), Julian Barratt (The Mighty Boosh) and Toyah Willcox (Quadrophenia) in the story of a tribe of warring ‘monkeys’.
Creature...
- 8/25/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Troy Lum has laid much of the blame for the virtual demise of mid-level theatrical films on the Us majors. blockbusters mentality.
Speaking during a panel session at the Cannes Film Festival, the MD of eOne Australia also complained that most scripts he reads lack emotional resonance.
.The middle ground all over the world has fallen out of the marketplace,. Lum said during a session on distribution in English-speaking markets moderated by the UK.s Film Council's Ben Luxford and Screen Australia.s Richard Harris.
.The films that were doing £2-5 million in the UK and Australia aren.t really there anymore. That.s unfortunate because that.s where the independent market sits.
.There has been a lack of respect of audiences from the studios just making shit, over and over again, so it meant there's a whole audience that wasn.t being served.
.That coincided with a great boost in TV drama,...
Speaking during a panel session at the Cannes Film Festival, the MD of eOne Australia also complained that most scripts he reads lack emotional resonance.
.The middle ground all over the world has fallen out of the marketplace,. Lum said during a session on distribution in English-speaking markets moderated by the UK.s Film Council's Ben Luxford and Screen Australia.s Richard Harris.
.The films that were doing £2-5 million in the UK and Australia aren.t really there anymore. That.s unfortunate because that.s where the independent market sits.
.There has been a lack of respect of audiences from the studios just making shit, over and over again, so it meant there's a whole audience that wasn.t being served.
.That coincided with a great boost in TV drama,...
- 5/18/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Genre fans living in the United Kingdom and Ireland are in for a real treat. In fact, I'm jealous. Icon Film Distribution (formerly owned by Mel Gibson) and FrightFest have teamed up in an exclusive partnership to bring genre films to VOD in the UK and Ireland. Under the name "FrightFest Presents," fans can see film via Ifd's digital partners (including Sky, iTunes, Amazon, Blinkbox, Film4OD, VirginMovies, TalkTalk, Google, Volta, and Eircom) giving film fans instant access to some of their favorite FrightFest titles. Each release will have the collective backing of Ifd and FrightFest across marketing, PR and social media. The partnership deal was negotiated by Zak Brilliant, Head of Theatrical, and Sophie Wong, TV and Digital Sales Manager, for Icon, and Greg Day...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 4/13/2015
- Screen Anarchy
Icon Film Distribution and FrightFest, the UK's leading horror film fest, have signed an exclusive partnership that will see Icon release FrightFest-curated films The selected titles will be offered across multiple platforms via Icon’s existing digital partners, including Sky, iTunes and Amazon. Icon and FrightFest, which boasts an engaged and enthusiastic fan base, will work together across marketing, PR and social media. The deal was negotiated by Zak Brilliant, Head of…...
- 4/13/2015
- Deadline
Distributor to release films from horror fantasy film festival under FrightFest Presents banner.
Icon Film Distribution (Ifd) and UK horror fantasy film festival FrightFest have entered into an exclusive partnership that will see Ifd releasing FrightFest curated films under the banner ‘FrightFest Presents’.
Select titles for the joint venture will be announced over the coming weeks.
In a move to expand the festival brand nationwide, select FrightFest endorsed films will be made available across the UK and Ireland via Ifd’s digital partners, including Sky, iTunes, Amazon, Blinkbox, Film4OD, VirginMovies, TalkTalk, Google, Volta, and Eircom.
Each release will have the collective backing of Ifd and FrightFest across marketing, PR and social channels. The partnership deal was negotiated by Zak Brilliant, head of theatrical, and Sophie Wong, TV and digital sales manager, for Icon, and Greg Day and Ian Rattray, directors of FrightFest.
Paul McEvoy, co-director of FrightFest said: “In expanding the FrightFest brand we are opening...
Icon Film Distribution (Ifd) and UK horror fantasy film festival FrightFest have entered into an exclusive partnership that will see Ifd releasing FrightFest curated films under the banner ‘FrightFest Presents’.
Select titles for the joint venture will be announced over the coming weeks.
In a move to expand the festival brand nationwide, select FrightFest endorsed films will be made available across the UK and Ireland via Ifd’s digital partners, including Sky, iTunes, Amazon, Blinkbox, Film4OD, VirginMovies, TalkTalk, Google, Volta, and Eircom.
Each release will have the collective backing of Ifd and FrightFest across marketing, PR and social channels. The partnership deal was negotiated by Zak Brilliant, head of theatrical, and Sophie Wong, TV and digital sales manager, for Icon, and Greg Day and Ian Rattray, directors of FrightFest.
Paul McEvoy, co-director of FrightFest said: “In expanding the FrightFest brand we are opening...
- 4/13/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Allan Jamieson and Chris Warrington join as financial controller, head of marketing, respectively.
Former Momentum executive Allan Jamieson and Organic executive Chris Warrington have joined rebuilding UK distributor Icon Film Distribution (Ifd).
Jamieson joins Ifd as financial controller with immediate effect, while Warrington joins as head of marketing at the beginning of February.
Jamieson joins Ifd from Momentum Pictures - and subsequently, Entertainment One UK following the merger with Alliance - where he held the position of planning and acquisition manager, working on a slate that included Insidious, Insidious 2, The Woman in Black and The King’s Speech.
Warrington joins Ifd from marketing and PR agency Organic where he was head of marketing working on films for Universal Pictures, Vertigo Films, Genesis Film Sales and Sony Dcm amongst other companies.
Prior to that he was head of marketing for both theatrical and home entertainment with Ifd, where he worked on the releases of Drive, Paranormal Activity and Apocalypto...
Former Momentum executive Allan Jamieson and Organic executive Chris Warrington have joined rebuilding UK distributor Icon Film Distribution (Ifd).
Jamieson joins Ifd as financial controller with immediate effect, while Warrington joins as head of marketing at the beginning of February.
Jamieson joins Ifd from Momentum Pictures - and subsequently, Entertainment One UK following the merger with Alliance - where he held the position of planning and acquisition manager, working on a slate that included Insidious, Insidious 2, The Woman in Black and The King’s Speech.
Warrington joins Ifd from marketing and PR agency Organic where he was head of marketing working on films for Universal Pictures, Vertigo Films, Genesis Film Sales and Sony Dcm amongst other companies.
Prior to that he was head of marketing for both theatrical and home entertainment with Ifd, where he worked on the releases of Drive, Paranormal Activity and Apocalypto...
- 12/17/2013
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Icon U.K. Group CEO Aviv Giladi and the founder of New Sparta Ltd, Dr Jerome Booth recently announced that New Sparta has acquired Icon Film Distribution (Ifd), the U.K. distribution operation of Icon U.K. Group, in association with a management team led by Ian Dawson, Chief Executive Officer, and Norman Humphrey, Executive Chairman and Chief Operating Officer.This purchase will allow Ifd to once again acquire films for all media, and work with existing and new partners in successful campaigns for their material. Some of the titles include those released by Ifd during its output deal Lionsgate and the U.K. library.
This acquisition deal also includes Icon Home Entertainment (U.K.), and as part of the new management agreement, Ifd will have access to future funding through New Sparta for the acquisition of film distribution rights and P+A finance.
Among the changes taking place through this acquisition Ian Dawson will take up the position of Chief Executive Officer at Ifd and Norman Humphrey is joining Ifd as Executive Chairman and Chief Operating Officer. The existing Ifd team formed by Head of Theatrical Zak Brilliant, Head of Home Entertainment Ray Primett and Operations Manager Sarah Brady will be augmented by a number of key individuals to be announced over the coming months. Finally Dr Booth will join Ian Dawson and Norman Humphrey on the board of Icon Film Distribution
Here is what some of the key executives in the purchase had to say about the new partnership:
Dr Jerome Booth, New Sparta founder adds; “I am delighted that New Sparta is adding Ifd to its growing group of media related companies. Ifd is a successful, well established and respected film distribution company and we very much look forward to working with Ian and Norman to build this business into the U.K.’s premier distribution company of choice for high quality and commercially successful film production companies.”
New Ifd CEO, Ian Dawson adds: "We will re-establish Icon Film Distribution as a truly independent U.K. film company with a talented, passionate team working closely with film makers to bring quality, distinctive material to U.K. audiences. Dr Booth, through New Sparta, is demonstrating a real commitment to the U.K. film industry and this makes them the ideal partner to help us to successfully deliver on our exciting plans."
Aviv Giladi, CEO of Icon U.K. Group, adds: “We are delighted that New Sparta has acquired the Icon UK distribution business to add to its media portfolio whilst we at Icon UK Group continue to focus on our growing film finance and production slate.”
Ifd UK titles, some of which will be, or have recently been released via its Lionsgate output deal, include the big screen debut for Postman Pat in Postman Pat: The Movie featuring the voices of Stephen Mangan, David Tennant and Rupert Grint, Nicolas Winding Refn’s Only God Forgives starring Ryan Gosling and Kristin Scott Thomas, horror sensation You’re Next and the forthcoming thriller from the director of The Conjuring, James Wan, Demonic starring Maria Bello.
Icon UK Group, led by CEO Aviv Giladi, is currently co-financing and co-producing several international features through its production arm, Len Blavatnik’s AI Film. Its first project, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, starring Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey, topped the Us box office for three weeks and has grossed over $100 million to date.
AI Film recently announced the Sherlock Holmes mystery A Slight Trick of the Mind at the Toronto International Film Festival to be directed by Oscar®winner Bill Condon and starring Ian McKellen, Martin Scorsese’s Silence which is set to next year, and Rocketman, the spectacular musical event film chronicling the journey of pop music legend Elton John.
On the transaction, New Sparta was represented by Harbottle and Lewis; Icon UK Group was represented by Olswang; and Ian Dawson and Norman Humphrey were represented by Lee & Thompson.
This acquisition deal also includes Icon Home Entertainment (U.K.), and as part of the new management agreement, Ifd will have access to future funding through New Sparta for the acquisition of film distribution rights and P+A finance.
Among the changes taking place through this acquisition Ian Dawson will take up the position of Chief Executive Officer at Ifd and Norman Humphrey is joining Ifd as Executive Chairman and Chief Operating Officer. The existing Ifd team formed by Head of Theatrical Zak Brilliant, Head of Home Entertainment Ray Primett and Operations Manager Sarah Brady will be augmented by a number of key individuals to be announced over the coming months. Finally Dr Booth will join Ian Dawson and Norman Humphrey on the board of Icon Film Distribution
Here is what some of the key executives in the purchase had to say about the new partnership:
Dr Jerome Booth, New Sparta founder adds; “I am delighted that New Sparta is adding Ifd to its growing group of media related companies. Ifd is a successful, well established and respected film distribution company and we very much look forward to working with Ian and Norman to build this business into the U.K.’s premier distribution company of choice for high quality and commercially successful film production companies.”
New Ifd CEO, Ian Dawson adds: "We will re-establish Icon Film Distribution as a truly independent U.K. film company with a talented, passionate team working closely with film makers to bring quality, distinctive material to U.K. audiences. Dr Booth, through New Sparta, is demonstrating a real commitment to the U.K. film industry and this makes them the ideal partner to help us to successfully deliver on our exciting plans."
Aviv Giladi, CEO of Icon U.K. Group, adds: “We are delighted that New Sparta has acquired the Icon UK distribution business to add to its media portfolio whilst we at Icon UK Group continue to focus on our growing film finance and production slate.”
Ifd UK titles, some of which will be, or have recently been released via its Lionsgate output deal, include the big screen debut for Postman Pat in Postman Pat: The Movie featuring the voices of Stephen Mangan, David Tennant and Rupert Grint, Nicolas Winding Refn’s Only God Forgives starring Ryan Gosling and Kristin Scott Thomas, horror sensation You’re Next and the forthcoming thriller from the director of The Conjuring, James Wan, Demonic starring Maria Bello.
Icon UK Group, led by CEO Aviv Giladi, is currently co-financing and co-producing several international features through its production arm, Len Blavatnik’s AI Film. Its first project, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, starring Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey, topped the Us box office for three weeks and has grossed over $100 million to date.
AI Film recently announced the Sherlock Holmes mystery A Slight Trick of the Mind at the Toronto International Film Festival to be directed by Oscar®winner Bill Condon and starring Ian McKellen, Martin Scorsese’s Silence which is set to next year, and Rocketman, the spectacular musical event film chronicling the journey of pop music legend Elton John.
On the transaction, New Sparta was represented by Harbottle and Lewis; Icon UK Group was represented by Olswang; and Ian Dawson and Norman Humphrey were represented by Lee & Thompson.
- 10/15/2013
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
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