09/05/2006

In a move towards further expansion into English language films and markets and into European co-productions and distribution, Paris-based Celluloid Dreams has just opened a London office under the aegis of veteran sales executive Janine Gold, recently appointed vice-president of acquisitions and sales. Gold’s task will be to source and evaluate UK material as well as international projects, working in close co-operation with Toronto-based vice-president Charlotte Mickie.

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Gold, who started her film sales and distribution career at Celluloid, went on to become head of Film Four International and up until last year, co-managing director of Element X. “I am thrilled that Janine has agreed to come to Celluloid Dreams”, said company President Hengameh Panahi. “Her taste, relationships and deal-making expertise will be critical assets in Celluloid Dreams’ future evolution”.

Current UK productions or co-productions being handled by Celluloid Dreams include Kenneth Branagh’s The Magic Flute, Mrs Radcliffe’s Revolution by Billie Eltringham, Son of Rambow (working title) by Garth Jennings ( The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), François Ozon’s English-language debut Angel, starring Romola Garai, Lucy Russel, Sam Neill and Charlotte Rampling, and Goodbye Bafana by renowned Swedish filmmaker Bille August, based on the memoirs of James Gregory who was Nelson Mandela’s prison guard for almost 20 years. The latter film stars Dennis Haysbert, Diane Kruger and Joseph Fiennes.