What is Bauer Martinez’s reason for launching its own distribution company (BMD) in America?
Philippe Martinez: When we created Bauer Martinez as a production company 15 years ago we already wanted to be distributors. When I produced Modigliani with Andy Garcia, it was impossible to distribute it in America. Thanks to BMD, the film will open on May 14 th on nine screens in Los Angeles before expanding into the top ten US markets. The distribution of films is in the hands of “pop corn” analysts, who only care about marketing parameters. We are aiming to become the number 1 independent distributor in the world. What is your strategy? Philippe Martinez: For the next three years we will release 12 films per year. 5 large productions with budgets between 25 and 40 million dollars, and 7 films with smaller budgets of 4 to 10 million dollars. The 5 biggest productions will be printed on 1500 or 2000 copies. At the start we will have to take upon ourselves all financial risk. We hope that in time other distribution companies will get involved. We have already acquired the Groomsmen by
