Studiocanal Acquires Benelux Distribution Banner Dutch Filmworks (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Elsa Keslassy International CorrespondentStudiocanal has acquired a majority stake in Dutch FilmWorks, a leading film production and distribution company operating in Benelux.Launched in 1998, Dutch FilmWorks produces and distributes 25 films each year, and has built up a library of over 900 Dutch and international films, including the popular family franchise “The Claus Family.” The acquisition of Dutch FilmWorks is part of Studiocanal’s aim to consolidate its pipeline of premium European content with international potential.Owned by Vivendi-backed Canal+ Group, Studiocanal already operates in all four major European markets — France, U.K., Germany and Spain — as well as in Australia and New Zealand.

The banner also produces more than 200 hours of TV series each year at an international level, either in-house with Studiocanal Original, or through its network of European production labels, including Germany’s Tandem Productions, the U.K.’s RED Production Company, the U.K.’s Urban Myth Films and SunnyMarch TV, Spain’s Bambu Producciones or Scandinavia’s SAM Productions.

Dutch FilmWorks will benefit from Studiocanal’s international network, distribution capacities and wealth of content. The banner’s management team and operational structure will remain unchanged with CEO Willem Pruijssers, co-CEO Marcel De Block and COO René van Turnhout on board.“I am proud to welcome Dutch FilmWorks to Studiocanal.

Our values align across production, acquisitions and distribution, as well as through a shared creative vision,” said Anna Marsh, CEO of Studiocanal.“Together we will realize our ambition to produce first-class European content out of Benelux, which will captivate audiences worldwide,” added Marsh. “This collaboration is.