Network Distributing has concluded a deal with Hammer Films to form Hammer Studios Ltd. The new company will manage and control Hammer’s interests in its substantial library of content such as The Woman in Black (2012), Let Me In (2010), Dracula (1958), The Abominable Snowman (1957) and The Quatermass Experiment (1953), and will see heavy investment both in restoration and new production development from both its owned and newly created IP.
Network’s Managing Director Tim Beddows and Financial Director Jonathan Lack, and Hammer’s CEO Simon Oakes will head the new company.
Network Managing Director Tim Beddows said: ‘This partnership is a really exciting opportunity to merge Hammer’s amazing library with Network’s infrastructure. Whilst we work our way through restoring its entire back catalogue for future generations’ enjoyment, we’re equally excited about the development of new productions from the Hammer canon.’
Hammer CEO Simon Oakes said: ‘This new partnership will, for the first time, professionalise the restoration and creation of elements that are essential for distribution of the Hammer library across all media. At the same time we will, with Network, be able to build on the legacy of Britain’s most iconic film brand, one that started in 1934 and is alive and kicking in 2021.’
About Network Distributing
Network Distributing has been mining the vaults of TV companies and film studios since 1997, unearthing original films from visionary directors on the fringes of mainstream cinema and beyond. Its award-winning restoration team has worked on iconic brands such as The Woman in Black, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, The Prisoner, Gerry Anderson’s slate plus hundreds of British films released under The British Film imprint. Working with the likes of ITV, BBC, ITC, Fremantle, Studiocanal and many others its team of TV and film experts have brought back more than 3000 releases, available now on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital.
About Hammer Films
Established in 1934, Hammer Films is one of the most prolific independent production companies in the world, encompassing all genres it remains best known for the ground-breaking reinvention of cinematic horror starting with Dracula in 1958, continuing to the present day with The Woman in Black and beyond. More than 60 years after Hammer revolutionised post-war cinema, the company is still pushing the boundaries of horror entertainment. The company’s latest film, The Lodge, was released in 2020.