Film Distribution and Production Research

Dreamworks

Dreamworks was founded on October 12 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen. It is owned by Independent (1994-2006), Viacom (2006-2008) and Reliance ADA group (2008-present) who owns 50% of Dreamworks. Dreamworks was also the partner of Paramount. Dreamworks produces films, feature films, programmes and online virtual worlds which Paramount and Viacom distribute it. Shrek 2 was its highest grossing film - $919,838,758 and they mostly produce animation films for children, for example Shark Tale, Shrek, Antz, Madagascar, Megamind etc. 

20th Century Fox

20th Century Fox was founded on May 31st 1935 by merger of Fox films and 20th Century Pictures Inc in Los Angeles. The Fox Broadcasting company is the sister of 20th Century Fox. It distributes and produces films, however Pathe and MGM also produce some of their films. Their highest grossing film was Avatar -$1,858,562,198 and they produce a range of genres such as action, romantic comedies, sci-fi etc. For example, Mr and Mrs Smith, Fantastic Four, Borat, Shallow Hal etc.

Working Title

Working Title was founded in 1983 in the United Kingdom. It is partially owned by Universal Studios (2000-present) and was owned by Polygram (1991-1999). Working Title is a production company who also produces feature films and television productions. They produce various genres but mostly comedies and romantic comedies. For example, Hot Fuzz, Mr Bean, Four Weddings and a Funeral etc.

Universal Studios

Universal Studios was founded on June 8th 1912 in Los Angeles by Ronald Meyer. NBCUniversal is its parent and it is owned by Comcast (51%) and General Electric (49%). Universal Studio is mainly a  film-making/production company but it distributes some films and their highest grossing film was E.T: The Extra Terrestrial - $359,197,037. They produce a various range of genres such as Action, Animation, Comedy, Drama etc. For example, Fast and Furious, Despicable Me, Bruce Almighty etc.

Lionsgate

Lionsgate was founded on July 3rd 1997 by Frank Guista in the United States. Lionsgate produces motion pictures, television programming, home videos, family entertainment, video on demand and music and it also does digital distribution. It serves in North America, England, France and Australasia. Lionsgate, along with MGM and Paramount Pictures/Viacom, is also a co-owner of Epix. Lionsgates highest grossing film was The Hunger Games - $408,010,692 and they produce different genres like Horror, Action, Romantic Comedy. For example, The Saw sequel, Safe House, My Best Friend's Girl etc.


Warp Films

Warp Films was founded by Rob Mitchell and Steve Beckett and it is based in the UK. It was initially created with financial support from NESTA and produces short films and is affiliated with Warp X and Warp Film Australia. Warp Films is a production company and its highest grossing film was This is England - £5,058,600. They produce various genres like Donkey Punch, Kill List, Snowtown and Care.