MadRiver Pictures To Fully Finance Mid-Budget Commercial Slate Through New Pact With International Distribution Partners
MadRiver Pictures has closed a multi-year equity financing and distribution deal with several major international distribution partners which gives it the ability to fully finance films at a budget of $25M-$75M for the global theatrical marketplace.
Under the deal, MadRiver will produce and independently finance 2-3 films per year. The focus will be on tentpole, star-driven films in the action, thriller and adventure genres, which have a global appeal in all media.
More from Deadline
Distributors invested in the venture include DeAPlaneta (Spain), Eagle Pictures (Italy), IDC Distribution (Latin America), Italia Film (Middle East), LEONINE Studios (Germany and Austria), Shochiku (Japan), SND (France) and Unicorn Media (Eastern Europe). Each will distribute the films financed by the venture in their local territories while giving MadRiver the flexibility to partner with various domestic distributors.
The autonomy and the availability of equity under the deal allows MadRiver to commit to the financing and greenlighting of a film prior to taking it to market or selling U.S. rights. The first title under the pact will be announced in the run-up to Cannes and will start shooting this fall.
“I couldn’t be more excited to partner with some of the world’s most prominent film companies,” said MadRiver’s Founder and CEO, Marc Butan. “Collectively, this group of international distributors brings an economy of scale that rivals the US studios. The ability to provide talent with greenlight certainty and greater creative control, while also guaranteeing world-class theatrical distribution, will allow us to keep coveted commercial projects with A-list talent in the independent marketplace.”
Most recently seeing the release of its Gerard Butler action thriller Plane and James Gray’s Cannes drama Armageddon Time, MadRiver Pictures has also previously produced Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Gray’s Ad Astra, among other titles.
The deal was architected by MadRiver’s Butan and CAA Media Finance, together with the support of MadRiver’s sister sales company The Veterans. CAA Media Finance and The Veterans will handle worldwide sales on titles financed under the deal.
Best of Deadline
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2024: Photo Gallery & Obituaries
2024-25 Awards Season Calendar - Dates For Oscars, Tonys, Guilds, BAFTAs, Spirits & More
2024 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
