06/02/2007

Film Distribution Companies in Europe, a recently published report by the European Audiovisual Observatory, presents an in-depth look at Europe's theatrical distribution sector.

One hundred and twenty-eight companies (of the 829 active in Europe in 2005), all specialised on the theatrical distribution of non-national European films, are here the subject of detailed profiles, including company histories and information on their editorial policy and distributed films.

The study also compares the financial performance of European and US-controlled companies and lists the leading distributors by operating revenue between 2001 and 2005. France-based company Metropolitan Filmexport heads the list, immediately followed by the UK's Entertainment Film Distributors and by the French distribution branch of Pathé.

The top 10 of best performing distributors also includes companies with direct links to broadcasters: Italian companies Medusa Film (linked to private television group Mediaset) and 01 Distribution (part of public broadcaster RAI), and French company SND (owned by commercial television group M6).

Denmark's Nordisk Film, Italy's Eagle Pictures, Sweden's Svensk Filmindustry and Spain's Filmax complete the ranking.

Currently only available in English, the report may be purchased by sending an email to orders@obs.coe.int.