Charles Cohen Cohen Media Group Acquisitions International Sales Company HanWay Films , the banner founded by legendary producer Jeremy Thomas (co-owned with his partner Peter Watson).
While no financial details were disclosed, the mega-acquisition has added real estate billionaire Cohen to his growing independent empire, having acquired Landmark Theatres and British cinema chain Curzon.
Under the agreement announced Thursday, London-based HanWay will continue to sell a variety of theatrical productions as an independent brand to its global distribution partners. Peter Watson will continue to serve as company president, with Gabriel Stewart serving as CEO.
Curzon CEO Philip Knatchbull negotiated the transaction on behalf of Cohen Media Group.
“25 Many years in the sales agency business have given me great satisfaction,” Thomas said. “I am incredibly proud of the business I have built with Peter Watson. In Gabriel Stewart, the company has an outstanding CEO. I look forward to continuing the important and exciting relationship with Hanway that underpins my Film for many years. I am delighted to pass the baton to Charles Cohen.”
As a long-standing standard-bearer in the independent film industry, thanks in large part to Thomas’s credentials, Hanway has worked with some of the greatest filmmakers and film directors of the years. Its library includes classic independent films by some 350 directors, including Andrea Arnold, Bernardo Bertolucci, Jane Campion, David Cronenberg Greg, Clint Eastwood, Milos Forman, Amos Gitai, Stephen Frears, Peter Greenaway, Todd Haynes, Jim Jarmusch, Neil Jordan , Takeshi Kitano, Steve McQueen, Takashi Miike, Nagisa Oshima, Sally Potter, Wim Wenders and many more. Upcoming films currently include more than a dozen upcoming and upcoming films, with eight in production or scheduled to go into production this year.
“HanWay is an established and recognized leader in the international sales market, and Jeremy Thomas has long been committed to creating a filmmaking that perfectly aligns with our vision. style,” Cohen said. “As our industry continues to change fundamentally, we are proud to have HanWay as part of our existing brand.”
Jeremy Thomas’ recording company will remain with HanWay Films Close relationship, HanWay Films will continue to represent his upcoming films. Watson will also continue as CEO of Recorded Picture Company. HanWay will also continue to represent Thomas’ film library, the Jeremy Thomas Collection.
“The growth opportunities inherent in integrating our sales operations into a larger, more dynamic international structure are very exciting,” said Watson. “Together we are a force in the independent film industry.
Stewart added: “This is a great opportunity to expand our business and focus more on getting into projects earlier. We will have the dynamic ability to package, finance and develop IP in many different ways, and build a stronger connection to distribution, while staying true to the filmmaker-friendly and marketing-driven ethos that defines us as a team. “
