In the latest issue of S&S "Mr Busy", Nick Roddick worries about the state of small distribution companies in the UK. This is obviously something we all think of and worry about, but is he too pessimistic?
He goes on to explain that both Tartan and Artificial Eye, two of our best independent distributors are facing trouble. Artificial Eye is probably the single most ambitious British distribution label of the last 30 years. It was founded by the somewhat eccentric, perhaps even Langlois-esque Andi Engel (who died last year, best obit in Independent) having even directed a more than competent London/Hamburg stylish thriller, much like those his company is so good at distributing.
Anyway, back to the crisis... Artificial Eye has now been bought by some big faceless group and that seems to be the source of worry. Are they taking less risks than before? Perhaps it is too early to tell. Nick points out that they have acquired Helen Hunt's directorial debut, which, I admit, doesn't bode well, but otherwise it seems to be business as usual.
He sums his article up brilliantly. "It's often said that we in Britain get the cinema we deserve. We don't:we get the cinema distributors think will work."
Is it as bad as all that? Well yes and no. To put it in perspective Artificial Eye themselves, in this very issue advertise releases of Don't Touch the Axe, Les Chansons D'Amour, 12:08 East of Bucharest, Private Fears..., Leningrad Cowboys Collection, and a Fassbinder collection. Not too insulting.
In my next blog, I'll single out UK distribution companies that are newer and just as ambitious as Artificial Eye. It aint so bad...
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