Studiocanal expands European presence with new acquisition
Studiocanal has secured the European TV and SVOD rights to Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” as part of an extensive seven-year deal. While this exciting acquisition excludes Spain, Russia, and pay TV rights in France, it marks a significant expansion for Studiocanal’s already vast catalogue.
A glimpse into the deal
Studiocanal’s recent acquisition underscores its dedication to bringing prominent cinematic works to European audiences. “Megalopolis,” which was previously released by Le Pacte in France on September 25, has made a noticeable impact despite selling under 250,000 cinema tickets to date.
This new deal, skillfully proposed by Juliette Hochart of Studiocanal and negotiated with the entertainment law firm Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof + Fishman, enhances their offerings and ensures that viewers across Europe can access some of the finest cinematic narratives.
The legendary Coppola in Studiocanal’s library
Studiocanal’s film library is lauded as the largest in Europe, boasting over 9000 titles from 60 different countries. Among its prized possessions are Francis Ford Coppola’s timeless classics like “Apocalypse Now”, “The Conversation”, “The Outsiders”, and “One From The Heart”.
Restorations and a commitment to quality
In a testament to their commitment to quality, each Coppola classic has undergone meticulous restoration courtesy of Coppola’s company Zoetrope and Studiocanal’s dedicated teams under Coppola’s supervision. Some of these remastered works have graced international film festivals, garnering significant attention and praise:
- Apocalypse Now: The Final Cut premiered at Tribeca and was released in 2019.
- The Outsiders: The Complete Novel premiered at San Sebastian before its 2021 release.
- One From The Heart: Reprise premiered at Venice Classics 2023 and was released in 2024.
- The Conversation premiered at Il Cinema Ritrovato in 2023 and was subsequently released in 2024.
Technical analysis: Restoration process
The restoration of these films is a marvel of modern technology and artistic dedication. Utilizing the latest in digital restoration techniques, the Zoetrope and Studiocanal teams worked meticulously to preserve the essence and original feel of each film while enhancing visual and audio quality. This process involves high-resolution scanning of original negatives, frame-by-frame color correction, and often reconstructing damaged film sections.
Studiocanal’s commitment to cinema
Over the past five years, Studiocanal has invested more than €20 million into the restoration of 700 classic films. This expansive library isn’t just about acquiring rights; it’s about preserving cinematic heritage and ensuring that timeless stories remain accessible to contemporary audiences.
The impact on European cinema
This acquisition not only enhances Studiocanal’s offerings but also significantly impacts European viewers by providing access to legendary films in restored, high-quality formats. For avid film enthusiasts, this means an opportunity to experience Coppola’s masterpieces as they were meant to be seen—rich in detail and cinematic brilliance.
Conclusion
Studiocanal’s latest deal for the European TV and SVOD rights to “Megalopolis” and their extensive effort in film restoration is a testament to their leadership in the European film industry. By continually investing in quality and heritage, they bring classic and contemporary films to audiences, keeping the cinematic art form alive and thriving.
Check out “Megalopolis” and other brilliant titles from Coppola in Studiocanal’s extensive collection and share your thoughts on this exciting acquisition! Stay updated with further news and releases by following us on social media and explore our site for more on the latest in film and TV.