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Studiocanal’s new landmark deal with River Road Entertainment
In a major move that has captured the attention of the film industry, Studiocanal and River Road Entertainment have forged an exclusive global distribution deal. This agreement encompasses a diverse array of 11 celebrated films, including the critically acclaimed “12 Years a Slave,” the visionary “The Tree of Life,” and the compelling “Into the Wild.”
Bringing together cinematic giants: Studiocanal and River Road
Studiocanal, the leading European production and distribution house, has united with River Road Entertainment, a powerful force in American independent film production. Their partnership spans multiple territories and covers a variety of media platforms—including TV, SVOD, and theatrical releases. This strategic alliance marks a monumental step in broadening the reach of some of the finest films in cinema.
Juliette Hochart, executive VP of Library at Studiocanal, expressed her enthusiasm:
“We are delighted to announce this agreement, which is a testament to the trust River Road has placed in Studiocanal as a partner and distributor. River Road has entrusted us with the work of such incredibly talented, inspiring, and critically acclaimed filmmakers, and we are extremely proud to now take this work to multiple territories worldwide, engaging with new and established audiences.”
A world’s worth of cinema: the films
The featured roster of films
The agreement includes nine feature films and two documentaries, collectively raking in over $440 million at the global box office. Some key highlights from the lineup are:
- “12 Years a Slave”: Directed by Steve McQueen, this Oscar-winning historical drama delves into the harrowing experiences of a free Black man sold into slavery.
- “The Tree of Life”: Terrence Malick’s Palme d’Or-winning film explores existential themes through a mix of stunning visuals and profound narrative.
- “Into the Wild”: This film, directed by Sean Penn, portrays the real-life journey of Christopher McCandless as he abandons society in search of deeper meaning.
Explore more like these at Trailers.
Documentaries of note
The partnership also includes two impactful documentaries:
- “Food, Inc.”: Directed by Robert Kenner, this Oscar-nominated film ignited conversations about food production, unveiling the grim realities of factory farming and genetically modified crops.
- “Chicago 10”: Combining animation with archival footage, Brett Morgen’s film recounts the courtroom drama involving activists who incited riots during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
These documentaries, rich in visual storytelling and detailed research, mark a significant addition to the portfolio.
Insight into additional titles
The partnership doesn’t stop at these iconic films. It also brings into the fold:
- “Fair Game”: Doug Liman’s thriller with Naomi Watts and Sean Penn.
- “The Last Face”: Another Sean Penn-directed piece that competed at Cannes.
- “A Monster Calls”: J.A. Bayona’s acclaimed movie that won nine Goya Awards.
- “A Prairie Home Companion”: A comedic drama by Robert Altman.
Music biopics also feature prominently in the deal:
- “The Runaways”: Floria Sigismondi’s film about the pioneering all-female rock band.
- “Love & Mercy”: Directed by Bill Pohlad, the film dives into the life of Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson.
Strengthening a leading position
This collaboration further cements Studiocanal’s status as a leading distributor. With a library boasting over 9,000 titles from 60 countries, the addition of River Road’s prestigious films amplifies Studiocanal’s global presence and enhances its appeal to a wide audience.
Christa Workman, co-president and COO of River Road Entertainment, commented on the significance of this deal:
“We are pleased to embark on this exciting collaboration with Studiocanal, confident that it marks the beginning of a strong and enduring partnership.”
Announcement at the International Classic Film Market
The deal was officially revealed during the International Classic Film Market (MIFC) in Lyon, alongside the Lumière Film Festival. Studiocanal’s CEO, Anna Marsh, was the guest of honor at the market’s closing speech, adding a layer of prestige to the announcement.
The MIFC, which wraps up on October 18, has once again served as a key platform for significant industry developments, and this partnership is a testament to its importance.
Looking ahead
As Studiocanal and River Road Entertainment embark on this collaborative journey, the film world watches with anticipation. This deal not only promises to bring cherished films to new audiences but also underscores the power of strategic alliances in enriching global cinema.
For further updates and insights on this evolving partnership, follow us on social media and stay tuned for more exciting news in the world of film distribution.
