FilmNation Entertainment

2008–2012: Founding

FilmNation Entertainment is an independent film production and distribution company co-founded in 2008 by Glen Basner and Steven Samuels. Initially, the company was a foreign sales firm, selling distribution right in various international markets.^[1]

2012–2018: Early growth

In 2012, FilmNation produced its first film, Mud, which competed at the Cannes Film Festival.^[2] On November 6, 2013, FilmNation Entertainment became part of the American Film Market for the first time.^[3] In December 2014, Village Roadshow invested $18 million for 33% stake in the company to make film production a regular part of operations.^[1] With growing success, the Los Angeles Times labeled FilmNation as "the emerging Oscar powerhouse you've never heard of."^[1]

2018–present: Expansion

In April 2018, FilmNation agreed to a $120 million revolving multi-bank credit facility with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and co-led by MUFG Union Bank.^[4] The funds would be used to give films larger budgets, take on additional films and enter the TV film, theater, digital and VR content markets plus other strategic investment areas.^[5]

In early 2019, FilmNation and Nordic Entertainment Group formed a television joint venture based in the United Kingdom that will operate under the FilmNation name.^[6] Nordic Entertainment Group will have first option on exclusive distribution rights to all of the joint venture's productions in the Nordic countries.^[6] FilmNation hired Kirstie Macdonald to spearhead the London division.^[7]