27/04/2006

One of the leading independent distribution companies in the UK, Optimum Releasing is on the verge of becoming the UK distribution outlet for French media giant Canal Plus, according to various rumours on both sides of the Channel.

The direct venture into the UK theatrical market would be a natural step for Canal Plus’ 100%-owned feature film subsidiary StudioCanal, which has an annual line-up of 20-30 produced or co-produced titles, released in France through the group’s own distribution subsidiary, Mars Distribution, and internationally through various local distributors.

Canal Plus, which has just sold its football club Paris Saint-Germain and is preparing to merge with CanalSat-TPS (see news), had a €3.45bn turnover in 2005. StudioCanal handles the third largest catalogue in the world with over 5,000 films and 6,000 hours of TV programmes.

For Optimum Releasing, headed by Will Clarke, the deal with cash rich Canal Plus would provide a much needed financial boost to compete on a more equal basis and higher level with competitors such as Pathe Distribution, Momentum Pictures (owned by Alliance Atlantis) and ex-Redbus Distribution, now owned by Lions Gate.

Established in May 1999, Optimum Releasing has built a strong reputation on its marketing-oriented approach to distribution and support to international filmmakers, from Alejandro Gonzales Iñarritu (Amores Perros) and Guillermo Del Toro (The Devil’s Backbone) to Gus Van Sant (Elephant) and Jean-Luc Godard (Notre Musique [+see also:
trailer
film profile]).

In the UK, Optimum has been a regular buyer of two to three local domestic films per year and was recently chosen as the UK distributor for Warp X, a new initiative supported by the UK Film Council and Film Four to make 8-10 low budget UK feature films over the next three years. (see news ).

2004 was the company's most important year to date with the establishment of Optimum Home Entertainment, the company's stand-alone DVD division already releasing over 200 titles a year, and its biggest theatrical box office hit to date was Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11, which grossed £6.7m.

Optimum has two films selected in official competition at Cannes this year: Nanni Moretti’s The Caiman [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Jean Labadie
interview: Nanni Moretti
film profile] and Guillermo Del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile], while 21 feature films pre-bought or co-produced by Canal Plus are screening in official selection.