Tim Beddows dies: The managing director of UK-based Network Distributing was aged 59

Tim Beddows, managing director of UK Network Distributing Limited, has died. He was 59.

Beddows died on Friday 18 November. Network Distributing confirmed the news to Deadline in a statement, describing Beddows’ death as a “horrific shock to all who knew him personally and professionally.”

“The Network team is devastated but determined to continue its legacy and build on Network’s strong position as a leader in the UK home entertainment market,” the statement said.

Beddows founded Network in 1997. The UK-based company now operates as an independent UK publishing, distribution, production and entertainment group.

The company is best known for its restoration work. Some of the company’s biggest releases include The Sweeney, the pros, the woman in blackThat of Monty Python flying circus, The prisonerand that of Gerry Anderson Super Marionation Library.

In 2021, Network acquired a number of libraries, including Rapido TV, Danziger’s film and television catalog, and the Hammer Films company. A new company, Hammer Studios, was formed to manage Hammer’s interests in its content library, including The woman in black (2012), let me in (2010), Dracula (1958), The Abominable Snowman (1957) and The Quarter Mass Experiment (1953).

The company also established a new one Doctor Jekyll Film with Eddie Izzard, currently in post-production.

Jonathan Lack, Director at Network, said: “I have had the honor of leading the company with Tim for the past four years as we positioned Network as the strong leader it is today. We are all devastated by his passing, but the entire Network team understood Tim’s dreams for the future of the company and we are committed to realizing that dream and building on his legacy for our stakeholders and customers.”

Steve Rogers, head of product development and research at Network, added: “His legacy is great and that work continues. Always thinking ahead, Tim began planning for the next five to ten years so that he would continue to be a very real presence on the network, both in terms of outlook and content. Together we will promote the company with his vision and he will accompany us on the further path.”