Film4 and partners announce new comedy films

9 February 2016

In an exciting new three-way partnership, Film4, Entertainment Film Distributors and production company FP Films have announced a two year development, production and distribution deal for a slate of four new comedy feature films.

FP Films is the film and TV production company set up last year by Iain Morris and Damon Beesley, the creative duo behind Channel 4’s blockbuster The Inbetweeners TV series and movie franchise. Film4 developed and financed the two 2011 and 2014 The Inbetweeners movies, with Morris and Beesley. Entertainment Film Distributors were behind the hugely successful release of both films in the UK, generating over £80m in combined box office revenues.

Having worked together so successfully on these movies, the three companies are now set to build a structure to work with home grown comedy talent to build a slate of four films to be developed and produced over the next two years. All three companies will collaborate in the development and production of the four films, with Film4 and Entertainment Film Distributors jointly funding the development and production and controlling the UK distribution of the films.  

An international sales agent will be assigned to the films to handle international distribution rights once greenlit.

Director of Film4 David Kosse said; “Film4 had phenomenal success working with both these great companies to create one of the most successful UK comedy franchises of all time. To pull off that level of success, not once but twice is testament to the extraordinary creative genius and professional rigour of all involved in both the production and distribution of these films. We firmly believe that Iain and Damon are the guys to lead the development of this new slate of films and we couldn’t be more excited to be working with both them and Nigel Green at Entertainment Film Distributors to bring more great UK comedy to audiences worldwide.”

Nigel Green said; ”We are delighted to be working with the hugely talented and creative Iain Morris and Damon Beesley as well as the terrific team at Film4, led by David Kosse, on these movies. Our collaboration on The Inbetweeners movies was not only a financial success, but also one of the most enjoyable experiences we have ever had due to their talent, enthusiasm and commitment. We are thrilled that we will have the opportunity to work with them again on these projects.”

Iain Morris and Damon Beesley commented; “Film4 and Entertainment have been incredibly supportive of us from the start of our fledgling film careers, and have made the process fun, interesting and successful. We hope to repay the support and help they’ve given us with some smart, funny, moving, exciting films and look forward to working closely with people we consider the best in the business.”

 

ABOUT FILM4:

Film4 is Channel 4 Television’s feature film division. Film4 develops and co-finances films and is known for working with the most distinctive and innovative talent in the UK, whether new or established.  

Film4 has developed and co-financed many of the most successful UK films of recent years, Academy Award-winners such as Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave, Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges and Phyllida Lloyd’s The Iron Lady in addition to critically-acclaimed award-winners such as Mike Leigh’s Mr. Turner, Chris Morris’ Four Lions, Shane Meadows’ This is England, Ben Wheatley’s Sightseers, Clio Barnard’s The Selfish Giant Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin and David Mackenzie’s Starred Up.

Film4’s recent releases include; Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, Todd Haynes’ Carol, Sarah Gavron’s Suffragette, Justin Kurzel’s Macbeth, Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Lobster, Asif Kapadia’s box office record breaking documentary Amy, Andrew Haigh’s 45 Years, Alex Garland’s Ex Machina and Paolo Sorrentino’s Youth.

Forthcoming releases include; Susanna White’s Our Kind of Traitor, Ben Wheatley’s High-Rise and Free Fire, Ang Lee’s Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, Benedict Andrews’ Una and Andrea Arnold’s American Honey.

For further information visit www.film4.com/productions