StudioCanal’s new European genre label Sixth Dimension takes off via the 75th Berlinale’s European Film Market (13-19 February) with its first global sales acquisition (exclusive North America), a reimagining of the 1984 cult classic slasher film Silent Night, Deadly Night by Charles E Sellier Jr. The formation of Sixth Dimension was originally announced by StudioCanal in March 2024, when executive Jed Benedict was revealed as the new head of the brand.

Benedict formerly held senior positions in acquisition at StudioCanal between 2012 and 2020, working on titles including Lenny Abrahamson’s Room [+lire aussi :
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fiche film]. He then had a brief stint at Elysium Film Group as Head of Acquisitions and Development before his newfound return to the French production and distribution company. As head of Sixth Dimension, Benedict will be based in the United Kingdom.

“Our new label will focus on horror, thriller, sci-fi, and action where storytellers need not run from the darkness. Our goal is to be synonymous with films that dare to explore, that are fearless in their storytelling, which unlock the imagination with high concept narratives and above all else, give audiences one hell of a ride,” Benedict said.

The new label head takes up the genre impetus in stride, with StudioCanal CEO Anna Marsh adding that Sixth Dimension “will increase our presence in the market which has many dedicated genre enthusiasts we want to cater for”. The in-house label’s editorial line will be dedicated to ambitious science fiction, thrillers, action, and horror, with plans to develop, produce and distribute both film and television series. Sixth Dimension will also work closely with the StudioCanal French production team.

Slated for a late 2025 release, Sixth Dimension’s Silent Night, Deadly Night is written and directed by Mike P. Nelson (Wrong Turn) in conjunction with the original film's producers, Scott Schneid and Dennis Whiehead. The reboot of Silent Night, Deadly Night will be distributed by StudioCanal in its territories of the UK and Ireland, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium/Netherlands/Luxembourg and Poland. StudioCanal acquired the rights to the film from US entertainment company Cineverse, who will release the film in the United States. Cineverse is behind the immensely popular Christmas slasher Terrifier 3, part of Damien Leone’s horror franchise.