03/02/2010

UK distributor Metrodome has set up a wholly owned production arm Cinedome and has announced its first co-production deal in conjunction with US producer and sales company Koan Inc for a new action adventure film, Dragon Fire (working title), which begins shooting this month.

The film is based on the classic story of Moby Dick and stars Vinnie Jones and Danny Glover and is being directed by Ryan Little (Saints and Soldiers). As well as co-producing the film, Metrodome will distribute in the UK and Ireland and will hold an equity stake in the movie worldwide.

Peter Urie, executive producer at the company, said, “This new production venture forms part of our growth plans in which we intend to build additional revenue streams for the company to enhance our successful UK distribution operations.”

The production, which should be completed by November this year and on general release in the first quarter of 2011, is the first of a number of productions that are currently under development and marks the first step in Metrodome’s plans to expand on the company’s core business of film and DVD distribution.

The move comes as Metrodome prepares to announce strong growth for the last financial year with all areas contributing to an increase in sales. Key title releases for the year include Warlords (DVD) and Shifty [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (theatrical and DVD). DVD sell through and DVD rentals had a particularly good year after the disruption caused by the demise of Woolworths, Zavvi and Entertainment UK in December 2008, with both areas performing ahead of expectations.