StudioCanal UK
| Subsidiary | |
| Industry | Film distributor |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | London, England |
| Products | Feature films |
| Owner | Canal+ Group (100%) |
| Parent | StudioCanal |
| Website | StudioCanal.co.uk |
StudioCanal UK (formerly Optimum Releasing)[1] is a film distributing company working in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The company releases many films, including foreign language films, Studio Ghibli films and independent British, Irish and American films in the United Kingdom and sometimes Ireland.
History
Optimum Releasing (1999–2011)
When named Optimum, the company's image was that of a modern and independent distributor of new releases and back catalogues. Films were released under four strands: Optimum Releasing (new theatrical releases), Optimum Home Entertainment (new DVD and Blu-ray releases), Optimum Classic (DVD re-releases of back catalogue films), and Optimum World (new and back catalogue world cinema releases). The latter three appear to be still be in use, despite the company's name change.
Optimum 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! were the last titles released under the Optimum Releasing banner.[2]
StudioCanal UK (2011–present)
Optimum was acquired by StudioCanal, a subsidiary of Vivendi SA, in 2006.[3] Since StudioCanal bought Optimum, the French company distributes 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 W.E. were among the first films released under the new name.[4]
References
- ↑ Hopewell, John (2011-06-30). "StudioCanal rebrands Optimum, Kinowelt". Variety. Retrieved 2011-09-04.
- ↑ http://www.studiocanal.co.uk/InCinemas
- ↑ James, Alison; Dawtrey, Adam (2006-05-07). "Studio Canal moves into Blighty". Variety. Retrieved 2011-09-04.
- ↑ http://www.studiocanal.co.uk/InCinemas