FILM PRODUCTION PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE

BBC FILMS, Kinowelt and Lolafilms have announced a new initiative to create a European ‘powerhouse’ with the ability to fully finance a range of films.
BBC Films works in partnership with international and UK distributors, financiers and sales agents, Kinowelt Median Group are an international entertainment company, and Lolafilms based in Spain have produced many films from Spain’s leading directors.
The three-way partnership will be involved in both development and production. The production operation is fuelled by a development fund which will exceed $4 million over the initial three year period. Around ten films will be developed per year, with the aim of co-producing at least six films over the same three-year period for international distribution.
Head of BBC Films, David Thompson said: “This venture is a ground-breaking development for the European film industry. It offers a collaborative way of working which will be particularly attractive to writing, directing and acting talent. In the past, key people we’ve worked with have felt the need to move to the US to further their careers, but we believe this arrangement will offer a viable alternative.”
It is anticipated that each partner will have an option to bid for the sales rights for the individual films, which will bring in the balance of funding for the rest of the world.
The films are intended for international audiences and, given the growing popularity of European style films, will also draw upon US talent, who are increasingly becoming an integral part of European film making.