More Europe for Rai Cinema

by (l.r.)

17/05/2003 - Rai Cinema and Europa Corp unite for quality cinema. Pierre Ange Le Pogam, dg of Europa Corp, Giuliano Montaldo and Carlo Macchitella, respectively the heads of Rai Cinema and 01 Distribution announced a new joint venture today. The goal they share is “investing in quality films without losing sight of the market”. Scheduled to run until 2005, the deal includes the co-production of French and Italian films and their reciprocal distribution through subsidiaries, Europa Corp. Distribution in France and 01 Distribution in Italy.

The agreement covers six French-initiative co-productions, two of which are in Cannes: Fanfan la Tulipe and Les côtelettes, as well as three titles released in France: Bon Voyage, Blanche and Moi César, and Louis-Pascal Couvelaire’s Michel Vaillant. The Italian titles will be decided shortly.

Today was also the perfect opportunity to discuss the future of 01 Distribution since the deal it has with StudioCanal (who own 50%) is scheduled to run out at the end of next month and will not be renewed. 01 Distribution will then be wholly owned by Rai Cinema who may decide to seek a new European partner. A story to follow...