exclusive: In a fascinating independent deal, British producer Charles S. Strong Jeremy Thomas and his partner Peter Watson.
HanWay will continue to be branded as an independent label selling standalone features and Peter Watson will remain president of the company with Gabriel Stewart as CEO. We are told that all other staff will be intact.
Curzon CEO Philip Knatchbull negotiated the transaction on behalf of Cohen Media Group. Financial details were not disclosed.
Based in London, the sale of HanWay has been under discussion for several years. HanWay CEOs said today that the deal will allow for early growth and involvement in projects. The company’s current roster includes a dozen features both at launch and shortly, with eight titles in production or slated for production this year. Among the recently sold titles is the Cannes title OEArticle by Robin Wright LandOscar Isaac protagonist card counter and the play by Viggo Mortensen Autumn.
HanWay Films library features 350 classic independent films by directors such as Andrea Arnold, Bernardo Bertolucci, Jane Campion, David Cronenberg, Clint Eastwood, Milos Forman, Amos Guitai, Stephen Frears, Peter Greenaway, Todd Haynes, Jim Jarmusch, Neil Jordan, Takeshi Kitano, Steve McQueen, Takashi Miike, Nagisa Oshima, Sally Potter, Wim Wenders and others.
Jeremy Thomas’ Recorded Picture Company will maintain a close relationship with HanWay Films, which will continue to feature films on its next list. Peter Watson will also continue in his role as CEO of the Recorded Picture Company. HanWay Films will also continue to present the Jeremy Thomas Collection, a library of Thomas films.
Cohen Media Group’s Cohen Film Collection is a collection of over 800 films, ranging from classic cinema from Buster Keaton to Merchant Ivory.
Heir and real estate producer Charles S. Cohen said today, “HanWay is an established and recognized leader in the international sales market and Jeremy Thomas has a longstanding commitment to a cinematic style that aligns perfectly with our vision. the fundamental changes in our industry continue, we are proud to make HanWay part of our existing brand. “
Oscar-winning producer Jeremy Thomas, known for producing films including The last emperor Y paradise, commented: “25 years of activity as a sales agency have given me great satisfaction. I am immensely proud of the business I have built with Peter Watson. At Gabriel Stewart, the company has an outstanding CEO. I look forward to continuing the vital and inspiring relationship with Hanway that has sustained my films for so many years. I am happy to give way to Charles Cohen “.
Peter Watson, President of HanWay Films added: “The growth opportunities inherent in integrating our sales business into a larger and more dynamic international structure are very attractive. Together we are a force in independent cinema ”.
Gabriel Stewart, CEO of HanWay Films, said: “This is a great opportunity to grow our business by participating in previous projects. We will have the dynamic ability to package, finance and develop intellectual property in different ways and with a greater connection to distribution, while staying true to the marketing-oriented spirit and director that defines us as a team. “
Source: Deadline

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