Saban Films Strikes Distribution Pacts in Multiple Major European Markets
Saban Films has made another major step in its global distribution push.
Ahead of the Cannes film festival, the North American-based company has unveiled new distribution deals with partners across 11 territories, with a view to acquiring product in the Cannes market.
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The fresh set of pacts in question are with Splendid in Austria and Germany, ACE Entertainment in France, Mis.Label in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland, Key2Media in Spain, and Defiant Screen Entertainment in Australia and New Zealand. Saban plans to provide its new partners with “15 or more commercially-focused films annually.”
News of the pacts comes a few months after Saban announced a partnership with Altitude Media Group in the U.K. and Ireland, marking its intent to expand into a global distribution outfit.
“We have been carefully watching and studying the international marketplace for independent film and know that we’ve found the right partners for what feels like a natural expansion. We’re very excited to broaden our business,” said Saban president Bill Bromiley.
Saban has continued to release films theatrically during the pandemic, with recent bows including Mel Gibson’s “Fatman” and Brad Furman’s “City of Lies,” starring Johnny Depp and Forest Whitaker. Its upcoming slate includes modern Charles Dickens take “Twist,” starring Michael Caine, Lena Headey and Rita Ora, as well as the action thriller “Reactor,” led by Bruce Willis and Patrick Muldoon.
Earlier this week, the company nabbed the North American distribution rights to Cary Elwes’ upcoming indie superhero pic “The Hyperions,” as Variety exclusively reported.
“Extending the profitable Saban model overseas is an exciting prospect, and we’re especially thrilled to be partnering with best-in-class distributors in each market,” added Shanan Becker, Saban’s chief financial officer.
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