United Artists Releasing

Last updated
United Artists Releasing, LLC
FormerlyMGM/Annapurna Pictures (2017–2019)
Company type Joint venture
Industry Film
Predecessor United Artists Corporation
FoundedOctober 31, 2017;7 years ago (2017-10-31)
Founder
FateOperations folded into MGM [1]
Successor
Headquarters West Hollywood and Los Angeles, California, United States
Number of locations
2
Area served
 United States
Key people
Products Motion pictures
Services Film distribution and promotion
OwnersEach of 50% owned by:
Number of employees
230 (2022)
Website Official website (archived)

United Artists Releasing, LLC (UAR) was an American film distribution joint venture between Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Annapurna Pictures and the successor to United Artists (UA) that operated from October 31, 2017.

Contents

Founded by former MGM CEO Gary Barber and Annapurna founder Megan Ellison on October 31, 2017, [2] it operated within the offices of the headquarters of the respective companies in West Hollywood and Los Angeles in California and offered alternative services to the major film studios and streaming media companies [3] with 10–14 films released annually. The venture rebranded as United Artists Releasing on February 5, 2019, to commemorate 100 years since the founding of United Artists. [3] [4]

On May 26, 2021, online shopping and technology company Amazon acquired MGM Holdings, the former parent company of MGM, for $8.45 billion [5] which closed on March 17, 2022, [6] and consequentially placed UAR under the control of Amazon Studios. Amazon then folded United Artists Releasing into MGM on March 4, 2023, in a push towards cinematic/theatrical film distribution alongside their staple media releases on their video on demand service Amazon Prime Video. [1]

History

American media companies Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM) and Annapurna Pictures announced the formation of a local film distribution joint-venture and a film releasing entity under the name Mirror to release third-party films in cinemas/theaters. [2] This marked the return of MGM to domestic distribution 7 years after its closure following the 2010 bankruptcy and subsequent reorganization, in which approximately 6 to 8 films would be released commencing on March 2, 2018 with the release of Death Wish .

The initial staff of the joint venture composed of those of Annapurna's own distribution division. By January 31, 2019, the venture released eight titles in total, none of which were released under the touted Mirror Releasing banner. [3]

The joint venture took on a name on February 5, 2019, United Artists Releasing, in commemoration of a century (100 years) of the creation of the original United Artists, [3] with the rationale being to "better compete against the major studios, especially with respect to their tentpole films that dictate the release calendar". [4]

Former Screen Gems executive Pam Kunath was appointed to be its chief operating officer and one of MGM's subsidiaries, Orion Pictures, added its films and staff from its distribution division to the venture. [3] [4] A board of directors consisting of executives from the partner companies was created to oversee the three UAR executives; Kunath, David Kaminow and president of Annapurna's distribution and marketing, Erik Lomis.

The inaugural film release post-rebrand was the 2019 stop-motion animated film Missing Link , which won the company its inaugural and only Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film. [7]

On October 7, 2020, MGM revived the American International Pictures label for the digital and limited theatrical release of acquired films with UAR to local theaters, beginning with the 2021 film Breaking News in Yuba County . [8]

On May 11, 2021, online shopping and technology company Amazon entered negotiations to acquire MGM's former parent company, MGM Holdings, principally green-lighted by MGM board chairman Kevin Ulrich whose company, Anchorage Capital Group, is a major MGM shareholder. [9] [10] A week later, the proposed acquisition by Amazon was officially announced, pending local and global regulatory approvals, for $8.45 billion [5] and completed on March 17, 2022. [6] Later that same day, Mike Hopkins, senior vice president of Amazon Studios and Amazon Prime Video, emphasized at a town hall meeting that his company will continue to partner with its new division United Artists Releasing, which will remain in operation post-acquisition. [11]

On March 4, 2023, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Amazon folded UAR into MGM due to Amazon's optimism of the feasibility of theatrical distribution. The announcement was on the same day Creed III was released, which is also the first film distributed by MGM itself under Amazon's ownership. [1]

Filmography

MGM/Annapurna joint-venture
Release dateTitleCompanyCo-producer(s)International distributor
March 2, 2018 Death Wish MGM Cave 76 Productions
July 6, 2018 Sorry to Bother You Annapurna
  • Significant Productions
  • MNM Creative
  • MACRO
  • Cinereach
  • The Space Program
[12]
August 29, 2018 Operation Finale MGMAutomatik Entertainment Netflix [12]
September 21, 2018 The Sisters Brothers Annapurna
IMR International
November 21, 2018 Creed II MGM
 Warner Bros. Pictures
December 14, 2018 If Beale Street Could Talk Annapurna
December 25, 2018 Vice
Destroyer
  • 30West
  • Automatik Entertainment
Rocket Science
United Artists Releasing
February 15, 2019 Fighting with My Family MGM [13]
  • Lionsgate (UK and Ireland)
  • Universal Pictures (International)
April 12, 2019 Missing Link Annapurna Laika [7] AGC International
May 10, 2019 The Hustle MGM
  • Pin High Productions
  • Cave 76 Productions
  • Camp Sugar Productions
Universal Pictures
May 24, 2019 Booksmart Annapurna Gloria Sanchez Productions
June 21, 2019 Child's Play Orion Pictures Bron Studios [14]
August 16, 2019 Where'd You Go, Bernadette Annapurna
[12]
October 11, 2019 The Addams Family MGM
[15] 		Universal Pictures
January 31, 2020 Gretel & Hansel Orion Pictures
  • Bron Studios
  • Automatik Entertainment
May 8, 2020 Valley Girl Sneak Preview Productions
August 28, 2020 Bill & Ted Face the Music Orion Pictures
  • Hammerstone Studios
  • Dial 9
  • Dungan Entertainment
  • TinRes Entertainment
  • Endeavor Content
[16]
October 9, 2020 The Wolf of Snow Hollow Orion Classics
[17]
February 12, 2021 Breaking News in Yuba County American International Pictures
AGC International
March 26, 2021 Bad Trip Orion Pictures
  • Gorilla Flicks
  • The District
  • Helo Films
[18] 		Netflix
May 7, 2021 Wrath of Man MGM
[19] 		Miramax
July 20, 2021 How It Ends American International PicturesMister Lister Films
August 13, 2021 Respect MGM
Universal Pictures
August 20, 2021 Flag Day
  • Conqueror Productions
  • Olive Hill Media
  • Wonderful Films
[20]
October 1, 2021 The Addams Family 2
[15] 		Universal Pictures
October 8, 2021 No Time to Die
  • EON Productions
  • Universal Pictures
[12] [21]
November 24, 2021 House of Gucci [22] Universal Pictures
November 26, 2021 Licorice Pizza
  • Focus Features
  • Ghoulardi Film Company
[23]
February 18, 2022 Dog [24] FilmNation Entertainment
February 25, 2022 Cyrano
[25] 		Universal Pictures
May 13, 2022 On the Count of Three
  • Annapurna Pictures
  • Orion Pictures
[26]
July 22, 2022 Anything's Possible Orion Pictures
[27]
July 29, 2022 Thirteen Lives MGM
[28] 		Limited theatrical release only with streaming release by Amazon Studios on Amazon Prime Video
August 26, 2022 Samaritan Balboa Productions
Three Thousand Years of Longing
[29] [30] 		FilmNation Entertainment
September 9, 2022 About Fate American International Pictures
  • Aldamisa Entertainment
  • Contentious Media
  • Vincent Newman Entertainment
October 28, 2022 Till Orion Pictures
  • Frederick Zollo Productions
  • Eon Productions
[31] [32] 		Universal Pictures
November 23, 2022 Bones and All MGM
[33] 		Warner Bros. Pictures
December 23, 2022 Women Talking Orion Pictures
  • Plan B Entertainment
  • Hear/Say Productions
Universal Pictures

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References

  1. 1 2 3 McClintock, Pamela (4 March 2023). "Box Office: 'Creed III' Wins Title with Series-Best $51M Opening". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on 4 March 2023. Retrieved 4 March 2023. Amazon protected its newfound theatrical apparatus by folding United Artists Releasing into MGM.
  2. 1 2 McNary, Dave (31 October 2017). "MGM, Annapurna Form U.S. Distribution Partnership". Variety . Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on 3 November 2017. Retrieved 6 February 2019. As part of the agreement, MGM and Annapurna also announced that they have formed a Mirror releasing entity to pursue theatrical releasing opportunities for third-party films.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Donnelly, Matt (5 February 2019). "Annapurna, MGM Joint Distribution Venture Rebrands as United Artists Releasing". Variety . Archived from the original on 5 February 2019. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  4. 1 2 3 Fleming, Mike Jr. (5 February 2019). "MGM, Annapurna Set Joint Venture To Theatrically Distribute Under United Artists Releasing Banner". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on 5 February 2019. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  5. 1 2 Spangler, Todd; Lang, Brent (26 May 2021). "Amazon Buys MGM, Studio Behind James Bond, for $8.45 Billion". Variety . Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
  6. 1 2 Maas, Jennifer (17 March 2022). "Amazon Closes $8.5 Billion Acquisition of MGM". Variety . Archived from the original on 4 April 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  7. 1 2 Galuppo, Mia (5 February 2019). "MGM, Annapurna Team for Distribution Label United Artists Releasing". The Hollywood Reporter . Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on 8 February 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  8. ↑ "Tate Taylor's 'Breaking News in Yuba County' Picked up by MGM". 7 October 2020. Archived from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2020. ...and the studio (MGM) will release the film under the newly relaunched banner American International Pictures.
  9. ↑ Spangler, Todd (17 May 2021). "Amazon Said to Make $9 Billion Offer for MGM". Variety . Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on 7 January 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  10. ↑ Toonkel, Jessica (17 May 2021). "Amazon Pondering Deal to Buy MGM". The Information. Archived from the original on 22 December 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  11. ↑ "Amazon-MGM Town Hall Scheduled for Friday; Amazon's Mike Hopkins Presages Upcoming Mesh & MGM COO – Updated". Deadline Hollywood . 17 March 2022. Archived from the original on 17 March 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Busch, Anita (31 October 2017). "MGM Ramps Up Theatrical Distribution & Pacts With Annapurna; Easy Set Up To Roll Out Next Bond Film". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on 11 May 2020. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  13. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr.; Lodderhose, Diana (11 February 2017). "MGM Headlocks World Rights To 'Fighting With My Family' In $17.5M Deal: Berlin". Deadline Hollywood . Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
  14. ↑ Ellingson, Annlee (5 February 2019). "MGM, Annapurna revive United Artists for joint distribution venture". L.A. Biz. Archived from the original on 5 January 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2019.
  15. 1 2 D'Alessandro, Anthony (13 October 2019). "'Joker' $55M+ Scores 2nd Weekend October Record, 'Addams Family' $30M+ A MGM Success, 'Gemini Man' Still Not Dazzling $20M+ – Sunday B.O. Update". Deadline Hollywood . Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on 11 October 2019. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
  16. ↑ McNary, Dave (2 July 2019). "Jillian Bell Joins 'Bill & Ted Face the Music'". Variety . Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on 23 August 2019. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  17. ↑ "Jim Cummings' Thriller 'The Wolf of Snow Hollow' Debuts First Trailer". Variety . Penske Media Corporation. 17 September 2020. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
  18. ↑ Hipes, Patrick (29 January 2019). "Hidden-Camera Prank Pic 'Bad Trip' Gets Release Date Via Orion Pictures". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on 3 February 2019. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  19. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (4 March 2020). "Jason Statham Exits WME After He Drops Out Of 'Man From Toronto' – Update". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
  20. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (15 June 2021). "Sean Penn Feature 'Flag Day' Sets Summer Theatrical Release". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on 23 March 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  21. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (15 February 2019). "'Bond 25' Looks To Shake Up Easter 2020". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on 16 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
  22. ↑ McNary, Dave (1 November 2019). "Lady Gaga to Star in Ridley Scott's Gucci Murder Movie". Variety . Archived from the original on 23 April 2020. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  23. ↑ Kit, Borys (17 July 2020). "Paul Thomas Anderson's 1970s High School Movie Moving From Focus to MGM". The Hollywood Reporter . Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on 16 September 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  24. ↑ Kroll, Justin (2 March 2020). "Channing Tatum and Reid Carolin's 'Dog' Sells to MGM". Variety . Archived from the original on 5 March 2020. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
  25. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (4 August 2020). "MGM Lands 'Cyrano'; Joe Wright-Directed Working Title Stage Adaptation Stars Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett, Brian Tyree Henry & Ben Mendelsohn". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on 7 August 2020. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  26. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (12 February 2021). "Annapurna Pictures Lands Jerrod Carmichael's Sundance Prize Winner 'On The Count Of Three'; Near $2M For NA Rights". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on 12 February 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  27. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony; Hipes, Patrick (18 November 2020). "Billy Porter To Direct High School Coming-Of Age Pic 'What If?' In First Movie From Relaunched Orion Pictures". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on 18 November 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  28. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (4 May 2020). "MGM Wins Auction For 'Thirteen Lives,' Ron Howard-Directed Thriller About Thai Cave Rescue". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on 22 March 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  29. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (14 May 2020). "MGM Lands North American Rights On George Miller-Directed 'Three Thousand Years Of Longing' With Idris Elba & Tilda Swinton". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on 14 May 2020. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  30. ↑ O'Rourke, Ryan (5 August 2022). "George Miller's 'Three Thousand Years of Longing' Release Date Moved Up". Collider . Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  31. ↑ "41 Movies We Can't Wait to See in 2022". Vulture . 4 January 2022. Archived from the original on 24 January 2022. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
  32. ↑ "Chinonye Chukwu to Helm Film on How Mamie till Mobley Turned Son Emmett Till's Brutal Murder into Civil Rights Movement Catalyst; Barbara Broccoli, Whoopi Goldberg Producing". Deadline Hollywood . 27 August 2020. Archived from the original on 9 August 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
  33. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (22 March 2022). "MGM Takes Global On Luca Guadagnino-Timothée Chalamet Feature Reteam 'Bones And All'". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on 22 March 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.

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