08/11/2002

Two UK independent distribution companies, Pathé Pictures owned by French group Pathé, and Momentum Pictures owned by Canada’s Alliance Atlantis have just signed a distribution joint-venture for big budget films in the UK.
Under the terms of the agreement signed by Pathe and Momentum’s managing directors, respectively Francois Ivernel and David Kosse, both companies will share acquisition and distribution costs and take turns on the theatrical and home entertainment releases of the films they jointly acquire.
The first title of the new deal is Robert Altman’s £15 milion (Euros 22.5 million) The Company, sold at Mifed by Capitol Films. Starring Neve Campbell, James Franco and Malcolm Macdowell, The Company centres on the world of the ballet and is currently shooting on location at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. The film will be released theatrically by Pathe with Momentum handling DVD and video distribution.
Pathé Pictures has a 2,8 per cent share of the local market. The company has an eclectic line-up of films; a mix of Pathe’s own productions like Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra and Patrice Leconte’s The Man On The train, and external pick ups.
Momentum Pictures has a 1,5 per cent market share. Known for its mix of art-house and commercial titles, Momentum currently has two British films out, both of which are performing well at the box office. Lynne Ramsay’s Morvern Callar was released onto 17 screens on 1 November and to date it has grossed £82.014 (Euros 123,000), the week’s highest per screen averageverage for any film on release this week, while Marc Evans’ horror film My Little Eye - produced by Working Title - has grossed over £2,7m (Euros 4 million) in five weeks.