Lionsgate UK explained

Lions Gate UK Limited
Predecessor:Redbus Film Distribution
Entertainment One UK
Foundation: (as Redbus Film Distribution)
Type:Division
Industry:Film
Location:London, England
Services:Film
Parent:Lionsgate Films (2005–present)

Lions Gate UK Limited (formerly Redbus Film Distribution, and briefly known as Helkon SK between 2001 and 2003) is the British subsidiary of the Canadian/American film company, Lionsgate Studios.

Founded in 1999 by Simon Franks and Zygi Kamasa, Redbus has distributed and produced many films for the United Kingdom; such as Bend It Like Beckham, What's Cooking?, Cabin Fever, Jeepers Creepers, It's All Gone Pete Tong, and Good Night, and Good Luck. Redbus' first theatrical film to be released was The Tichborne Claimant in 1999.[1]

In October 2005, Lionsgate acquired Redbus and rebranded it under its current name. Its home media company, Redbus Home Entertainment, would also rebrand as Lionsgate Home Entertainment UK. Redbus's film releases were formerly distributed on home video by Warner Home Video until 2006.[2]

History

Redbus Film Distribution was formed in 1999. According to an investment prospectus filed in March 1999, it was funded to the tune of £250,000, and took its name from Cliff Stanford's Redbus Group SA.[3]

The prospectus stated that its goals were to co-produce and distribute 10-12 full length feature films annually to the cinema, video and television markets in the UK.

On 14 March 2000, Redbus made a deal with German media company Helkon Media AG to acquire film rights for both of the companies' respective regions.[4] Helkon would later purchase a majority stake in the company in October of the same year.[5] However, their failure to pay one-half of the first $16 million (£11,954,176.00) installation would lead to Stanford suing the company. Helkon would quickly pay the other half, leading to the lawsuit being dropped and their final acquisition of Redbus.[6] [7] Following this, Redbus changed its name to Helkon SK, to reflect their partnership with Helkon Media.[8]

On 4 August 2002, Helkon Media filed for insolvency, leading to Franks and Kamasa buying back full ownership of the company.[9] [10] The company officially rebranded back to Redbus on 6 May 2003, and was also restructured, with Franks running the core distribution company and Kamasa in charge of a new production arm.[11] All of Helkon's ownership was finally absolved in February 2005.[12]

On 17 October 2005, Lionsgate acquired Redbus Film Distribution for $35 million.[13] [14] and became Lionsgate UK on 23 February 2006.[15] [16]

Films

See Lists of Lionsgate films for films the company released in the U.S. as well.

1999

2000s

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010s

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020s

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

TBA

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rookie indie Redbus adopts ‘Baby’ rights. October 20, 1999. October 2, 2024. Adam. Dawtrey. Variety.
  2. Web site: Redbus, Warner strike video pact. August 8, 2000. October 3, 2024. Adam. Minns. Screen Daily.
  3. "Companies House" https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03622388/filing-history?page=5
  4. Web site: Distribs Helkon, Redbus ink acquisition alliance. March 14, 2000. October 2, 2024. Variety.
  5. Web site: Redbus suit seeks Helkon cash. March 4, 2001. October 2, 2024. Adam. Dawtrey. Variety.
  6. Web site: Redbus suit seeks Helkon cash. March 4, 2001. October 2, 2024. Adam. Dawtrey. Variety.
  7. Web site: Helkon inks for 51% of Redbus. April 25, 2001. October 2, 2024. Adam. Dawtrey. Variety.
  8. Web site: Redbus dons a new name, slate of pix. May 10, 2001. October 2, 2024. Adam. Dawtrey. Variety.
  9. Web site: Helkon Media’s latest Teutonic bankruptcy. August 4, 2002. October 2, 2024. Ed. Meza. Variety.
  10. Web site: United Kingdom. October 27, 2002. October 2, 2024. Julie. Richard. Variety.
  11. Web site: Helkon rebrands as Redbus. May 6, 2003. October 2, 2024. Adam. Dawtrey. Variety.
  12. Web site: Redbus gets back in saddle again. July 17, 2005. October 2, 2024. Adam. Dawtrey. Variety.
  13. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lions-gate-entertainment-acquires-leading-uk-filmed-entertainment-distributor-redbus-film-distribution-limited-55382792.html Strategic Acquisition Enables Lions Gate to Self-Distribute in the UK and Adds to Company's Library and Pipeline
  14. Web site: Redbus - Sale of Redbus Film Distribution to Lions Gate Entertainment . 2012-01-14 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131224085556/http://www.slaughterandmay.com/news-and-recent-work/recent-work/recent-work-items/2005/redbus---sale-of-redbus-film-distribution-to-lions-gate-entertainment.aspx . 2013-12-24 . dead .
  15. "Screen Daily" Redbus rebranded as Lionsgate UK screendaily.com, Retrieved on 15 June 2012
  16. "Variety" Redbus now Lionsgate variety.com, Retrieved on 15 June 2012
  17. Web site: Rookie indie Redbus adopts ‘Baby’ rights. October 20, 1999. October 1, 2024. Adam. Dawtrey. Variety.
  18. Web site: Redbus renames as Helkon SK, acquires films. May 10, 2001. October 1, 2024. Adam. Minns. Screen Daily.
  19. Web site: Mothman leads openers, Ocean's goes top. March 5, 2002. October 1, 2024. Robert. Mitchell. Screen Daily.
  20. Web site: Ex-Helkon trio goes Solo. November 3, 2002. October 3, 2024. Mike. Goodridge. Screen Daily.
  21. Web site: Redbus dives into Open Water. January 25, 2004. October 1, 2024. Tim. Dams. Screen Daily.
  22. Web site: The Big Kahuna. October 3, 2024. Neil. Smith. BBC.
  23. Web site: Drama boards Redbus. February 25, 2004. October 1, 2024. Adam. Dawtrey. Variety.
  24. Web site: Redbus buys ‘Bull’ rights. May 24, 2005. October 1, 2024. Adam. Dawtrey. Ed. Meza. Variety.

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