Flat fee distribution company Backlot Studios launches with Richard Gray’s Blinder
A new company has launched into the Australian film distribution sector charging producers a flat fee for its service.
The model varies from a typical film distribution company which takes a percentage of box office revenue.
The Melbourne-based Backlot Studios is led by directors Tony Ianiro and Mark D’Angelo, both most recently of Paramount Pictures.
The company’s first film will be director Richard Gray’s Aussie Rules-based film Blinder. It opens on March 7.
D’Angelo told Encore: “Part of our service is to liase with the producers and work with them as to how wide a film should go. Our job is to assess everything on a case by case basis. We can move a bit more fluidly.
Blinder was originally to be distributed this month through Jump Street Films but was dropped after Jump Street formed an exclusive distribution deal with US-based multi-purpose film company Cargo Entertainment.
Gray told Encore: “I’m very excited about Blinder. We’re going wide, 80-120 screens, which is fantastic.”
Blinder is a Scott Didier Production, produced by Didier, Gray, Mike Gillespie, Virginia Kay and Christopher Lemole. The film was written by Didier, Gray and Michele Davis-Gray. It stars Oliver Ackland, Jack Thompson, Anna Hutchison and Angus Sampson.
Backlot will also distribute Gray’s US thriller, Mine Games in later in 2013 with a relatively wide release.
Backlot Studios will specialise in preview screenings, theatrical film placement and composition and audio production. The company will also have a non-commercial screening room in Melbourne to host preview screenings available for corporate presentations and private events.
Ianiro has over 25 years in the industry working across major players Hoyts, Village Roadshow and Universal Pictures. D’Angelo has 10 years experience in the business managing cinemas for Reading Entertainment. Prior to that he spent 15 years in the music industry.
Meanwhile Gray wraps his third film in quick succession, The Lookalike this week in Louisiana. The film stars Justin Long, Gina Gershon, Jerry O’Connell and Lius Guzman.
Gray’s debut film Summer Coda starred Rachael Taylor and Alex Dimitriades, distributed by Jump Street Films.
