New Line Cinema and Entertainment Film Distributors Form U.K. Production Venture Material Entertainment

New Line Cinema and Entertainment Film Distributors Form U.K. Production Venture Material Entertainment

New Company to Be Led by Producer and Executive Robert Jones

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- New Line Cinema and U.K.-based Entertainment Film Distributors have teamed up to create a jointly owned, London-based production entity dubbed Material Entertainment with accomplished producer/executive Robert Jones as its president, it was announced today by New Line Cinema co-CEOs and co-chairmen Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne and Entertainment's joint managing directors Nigel Green and Trevor Green.

The new company, which launches in the first quarter of 2005, will produce up to four films a year.

"New Line has had a long history of working with our international partners and this is an excellent way for us to expand further into those markets that strengthen our presence there," said Shaye.

New Line's Lynne added, "New Line and Entertainment Film Distributors have had a successful relationship spanning two decades and this partnership is the natural extension of that relationship."

Entertainment Film Distributors' Nigel Green said, "This is going to be a very proactive, UK-based organization and one with the benefit of a U.S., local and international perspective.

Most recently serving as Head of the UK's Film Council's Premiere Fund, Jones' production credits include "The Usual Suspects," "Hard Eight," "The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill ... ," "Dirty Pretty Things," "Gosford Park" and the recent Fine Line Features' release "Vera Drake." With more than 20 years in the industry, he brings an impressive track record of working with established talent and identifying and developing new talent. In addition to producing he has considerable experience in distribution and film acquisition working with such companies as Palace and PolyGram.

"Material Entertainment gives me the opportunity to forge new talent relationships and cement existing ones. Material's association with New Line and Entertainment will help ensure that innovative British and European filmmakers can get their work out to a large audience," said Jones. "I intend to create a filmmaker-friendly environment that will make this company the first choice for inspired artists with exciting stories to tell."

In his new role as head of Material Entertainment, Jones will be based in London and will report to a Board of Directors that includes members of both New Line Cinema and Entertainment Film Distributors. Jones will soon hire a development staff for the company, while marketing and distribution for Material productions will be handled by New Line and Entertainment Film Distributors respectively.

About Entertainment Film Distributors

With successes that include "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, the "Austin Powers" movies, "Gangs of New York" and "Traffic," Entertainment Film Distributors is the UK's leading independent film and video distribution company. Forthcoming releases include Clint Eastwood's "Million Dollar Baby," Alejandro Amenabar's "The Sea Inside" and "Valiant."

About New Line Cinema Corporation:

New Line Cinema is the oldest and most successful independent film company in the world. In addition to the production, marketing and distribution of theatrical motion pictures, the fully-integrated studio has divisions devoted to home entertainment, television, music, theater, licensing, merchandising and international marketing and distribution. New Line is a pioneer in franchise filmmaking and its Oscar-winning "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy is the most successful film franchise in history. Together with its subsidiary, Fine Line Features, New Line is a unit of Time Warner.

Contact:
Candice McDonough
New Line Cinema
310-967-6991



Source: New Line Cinema

CONTACT: Candice McDonough of New Line Cinema, +1-310-967-6991


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