- StudioCanal UK
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StudioCanal Limited Type Subsidiary Industry Film distributor Founded 1999 Headquarters London, United Kingdom Products Feature films Owner(s) Vivendi Parent StudioCanal Website http://www.studiocanal.co.uk StudioCanal UK (formerly Optimum Releasing/Home Entertainment/Classics[1]) is a film distributor company working in the UK and Ireland. The company releases many films, including foreign language films, anime releases such as Studio Ghibli's films and independent British, Irish and American films in the UK and sometimes Ireland.
Optimum was acquired by StudioCanal, a subsidiary of Vivendi SA, in 2006.[2] Since StudioCanal bought Optimum, the French company distribute their large back catalogue of classic British films (many from the Cannon and EMI catalogues) through Optimum releasing under the strand 'Optimum Classic'.
In September 2011, the company was renamed StudioCanal UK
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Tyrannosaur, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, The Awakening and Madonna's directorial debut W.E are to be among the first films released under the StudioCanal UK banner.[3]
Although the company is now called StudioCanal UK, according to the DVD/BD artwork for upcoming releases, the Optimum brands (with the exception of Optimum Releasing) are still to be used. It is unknown if this is because the artwork were produced before the company was to change it's name, but Cinema releases are now distributed under the StudioCanal name.
Optimum (1999-2011)
When named Optimum, the company's image was that of a modern, independent new release and back catalogue distributor. Films were released under four strands: Optimum Releasing (Theatrical New Releases), Optimum Home Entertainment (DVD and Blu-ray Disc New Releases), Optimum Classic (DVD Re-releases of back catalogue films) and Optimum World (New and Back Catalogue World Cinema). The latter three appear to be still being used, despite the company's name change.
They released over 200 films a year and were one of the most prominent distributors in the UK independent film and world cinema market since the closure of Tartan Films in 2008.
Kill List, The Guard and a re-release of Whisky Galore! appear to be the last titles released under the Optimum Releasing banner.[4]
References
- ^ Hopewell, John (2011-06-30). "StudioCanal rebrands Optimum, Kinowelt". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118039337?refCatId=13. Retrieved 2011-09-04.
- ^ James, Alison; Dawtrey, Adam (2006-05-07). "Studio Canal moves into Blighty". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117942671.html. Retrieved 2011-09-04.
- ^ http://www.studiocanal.co.uk/InCinemas
- ^ http://www.studiocanal.co.uk/InCinemas
External links
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- Vivendi subsidiaries
- Companies established in 1999
- Media companies of the United Kingdom
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- United Kingdom company stubs
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