Film Distributors’ Association (FDA), the trade body for UK theatrical film distributors, today announces two additional member companies with immediate effect:

Contender Entertainment Group and Optimum Releasing.

Both distributors, established in the 1990s, have developed formidable reputations in recent years.

Optimum Releasing is now one of the UK’s leading independent distributors with an enviable track record in supporting and bringing to audiences a broad range of quality films. Its raft of releases include new works by emerging filmmakers (such as Amores Perros and The Devil’s Backbone), international documentaries (Fahrenheit 9/11) and classic revivals (Breathless, The Third Man). Optimum’s current release is Tommy Lee Jones’s acclaimed theatrical directorial debut, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, for which it is handling all UK rights.

Contender Entertainment Group releases the best of Asian movies into UK cinemas. All titles have enjoyed commercial and critical success in their home markets and stem mainly from the action, horror or epic genres. Its current theatrical release, Seven Swords, starring Donnie Yen, is a sweeping saga of love, heroism and betrayal. Contender’s DVD catalogue includes household favourites such as Will & Grace, Spooks, Cutting It, Bratz, Coast, Picture of Britain and Life on Mars. Committed to “Bringing Entertainment with a (R)evolutionary Spirit”, the company also owns leading IPs of Peppa Pig and Tractor Tom.

FDA Chief Executive, Mark Batey, said:

“There are many generic issues affecting film distribution in today’s world, where it can be much more efficient and effective to engage and act on a sector-wide basis. FDA is clearly the stronger for having Optimum and Contender on board and we’re really delighted that they have individually chosen to join.”

Optimum Head of Distribution, Danny Perkins, said:

“As Optimum continues to evolve as a distributor of filmed entertainment, we felt it was timely to join the ranks of FDA members. Being part of an effective trade association can add value to our work in delivering the largest possible audience to all our releases. It makes sense for distributors to speak with a single voice on appropriate issues of the day and we’re keen to participate in the FDA forum.”

Debbie Rowland , Contender Group’s theatrical distribution and marketing chief, said:

“As Contender further expands its theatrical operations, we felt that joining FDA would underpin our progress in certain areas and help to position us centrally in the sector as a whole. We look forward to taking our place on FDA’s Council of members and hopefully contributing in turn to the association’s own future development at this fast-changing time.”

Further information :

Mark Batey , Chief Executive, Film Distributors’ Association Ltd.
Tel 020 7437 4383,
www.launchingfilms.com,
www.cinemadays.com

Danny Perkins , Head of Distribution, Optimum Releasing
Tel 020 7637 5403,
www.optimumreleasing.com

Debbie Rowland , Film Manager, Contender Entertainment Group
Tel 020 7907 3773,
www.contendergroup.com

Notes to editors :

FDA was formed in London in 1915 (originally named KRS, later SFD). Today its 15 member companies account for approximately 98% of UK cinema admissions, as high a level of representation as any trade body in the industry.
Current FDA members: Buena Vista International (UK), Contender Entertainment Group, Entertainment Film Distributors, Eros International, Icon Film Distribution, Metrodome Distribution, Momentum Pictures, Optimum Releasing, Pathé Distribution, Sony Pictures Releasing, Tartan Films Distribution, Twentieth Century Fox, United International Pictures (UK), Warner Bros. Distributors, The Works UK Distribution.
FDA offers a range of services to its member companies and the media, including the scheduling of national and regional press shows and the management of Cinema Days events for UK regional film journalists. It is actively involved in various industry campaigns, consultations, guidance, training and research, and has a growing portfolio of print and online publications.
FDA is also a key sponsor of the National Film & Television School, a board member of the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) and a founder member of All Industry Marketing for Cinema (AIM) which works to increase UK-wide cinemagoing frequency. FDA member companies are the principal backers of Film Education, the 21 year-old charitable organisation that promotes the use of film and media in the school curriculum.