ContentFilm and Image Entertainment sign a worldwide co-production deal for theatrical feature films and home video distribution that is expected to lead to a substantial increase in ContentFilm’s production output ContentFilm and Image Entertainment, Inc., a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of exclusive DVD programming in North America, today announced that they have reached an agreement to jointly produce, finance, and distribute a series of feature films, which will be intended for theatrical release with the revenues driven by DVD and video distribution worldwide. The films will be sourced and produced by ContentFilm, distributed in the North American video market by Image, and sold worldwide by ContentFilm International. Image will be launching a new ContentFilm label for forthcoming titles to support and expand upon the well-established reputation of the company in bringing quality entertainment to movie fans worldwide. With an initial target of three to four films a year, the deal with Image is expected to lead to a substantial increase in ContentFilm’s production output. The first film will be announced shortly. In addition to the productions, ContentFilm will look for acquisitions of completed films for video distribution by Image. Commenting on the deal John Schmidt, Joint Chief Executive, ContentFilm, said: “Our deal with Image represents an extension of a part of the business that has been core to ContentFilm from the beginning, and we are pleased to have found a partner to expand our efforts. Our goal is to bring together clever scripts, original direction, recognizable casts and sensible budgets to create films with worldwide video appeal and theatrical potential.” Edward Pressman, Joint Chief Executive, ContentFilm, added: “This agreement will build both our library and Image’s, as we find new and talented young directors, and hopefully unearth some franchise opportunities. Image is ready to pursue this amazing opportunity with us, and we are delighted to be in business with their world class organization to create a long-term body of work.” Martin W. Greenwald, Image’s CEO and President, commented: “The agreement with ContentFilm represents an expansion of our corporate vision while being fully in keeping with Image’s corporate strategy for becoming a force in content creation. We have, over the years, produced programming in the music, comedy, urban, lifestyle and narrative feature film categories, and we continue to search for new arenas of growth. Given the strength of demand for modestly budgeted, high concept, genre based feature films, we are confident that the strength of the retail market will support our ambitions.” ENDS
For further information contact:
Tim Allen, Portland 020 7404 5344 Notes:
- ContentFilm is a London-based film production, distribution and financing company with operations in Los Angeles, New York and London. The group’s strategy is to build a fully integrated international film business, producing high quality films on disciplined budgets and developing an enhanced international sales and distribution business in the U.S. and Europe.
For more information on ContentFilm, plc, please go to www.contentfilm.com
- Image Entertainment, Inc. is a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of home entertainment programming in North America with more than 2,600 exclusive DVD titles in domestic release and approximately 300 programs internationally via sublicense agreements. The Company also has exclusive audio, broadcast, video on demand, streaming video, and download rights for many of its exclusive properties. The Company is headquartered in Chatsworth, California, and has a domestic distribution facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information on Image Entertainment, Inc., please go to www.image-entertainment.com
