True Brit Entertainment, the UK theatrical distribution arm founded by former Lionsgate executive Zygi Kamasa, has filed for administration. The move represents the latest difficulty for independent distributors operating in a notoriously challenging UK market, coming despite the release of critically acclaimed titles such as Hugh Jackman-led film The Death of Robin Hood.
In a statement provided to Variety, Kamasa acknowledged the severity of the current environment. “In extremely challenging market conditions, the company has taken the difficult decision to enter administration,” he said. He confirmed that an independent specialist has been appointed to oversee the company’s affairs and assess available options, with the goal of securing the best possible outcome for the firm and its creditors.
Announced in November 2023, True Brit was established with a mandate to focus exclusively on UK films for theatrical release. The venture aimed to invest in and distribute four to eight titles annually while co-financing over $50 million in productions. Funding was led by talent management and entertainment company Three Six Zero, which represents artists including Calvin Harris, Frank Ocean, and FKA Twigs, alongside a minority investment from producer Matthew Vaughn’s Marv.
The distributor’s initial output showed promise. Its first release, The Critic, starring Ian McKellen and Gemma Arterton, was acquired at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and released the following year. This was followed by the Danny Dyer comedy Marching Powder, which performed well commercially, grossing more than $4 million in the UK and Ireland.
However, subsequent releases faced significant hurdles. True Brit co-productions including Gurinder Chadha’s musical comedy-drama Christmas Karma and the boxing drama Giant underperformed. Similarly, The Death of Robin Hood earned less than $800,000 domestically. The company’s most recent release, the Bella Ramsey-starring coming-of-age film Sunny Dancer, also failed to resonate with audiences despite strong promotion and buzz from its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, further highlighting the persistent struggles for independent cinema in the region.
Looking ahead, True Brit had slated several upcoming titles, including Anthony Wonke’s boxing biopic In the Shadows, set to premiere later this month at the BFI London Film Festival, and the Maika Monroe-led horror-comedy Victorian Psycho, which debuted at Cannes. It remains unclear how these films will now be handled. Deadline was the first to report the administration news.
Critical praise doesn’t pay the bills it seems. Was really hoping The Death of Robin Hood would turn things around.
Sad to see another indie distributor bite the dust. The UK market is brutal for local films right now.