Devilworks, the genre sales banner based in Malta, has launched its own U.S. distribution arm in time for the virtual American Film Market
The horror specialist, launched by Matteo Rolleri and Samantha Richardson, is now looking to release around 12 films each year in North America and has lined up two releases for the coming weeks.
First up is the supernatural horror Playhouse, which premiered at London’s Frightfest and is set to launch Nov. 17 on various VOD platforms, followed by Beast Mode, starring C. Thomas Howell (The Amazing Spiderman), James Duval (Donnie Darko), James Hong (Blade Runner, Big Trouble in Little China), due for release digitally and in physically, meaning DVDs, on Dec. 1.
According to Rolleri, the aim is to launch 12 titles per year, “That’s what we’re working towards,” he says, adding that alongside its sales business, Devilworks can now use markets to look for new titles and also speaking to producers who have the option of using them for U.S. distribution alongside international sales.
With the U.S. being the global hub for the genre film world, in terms of demand, production, finance and media, the Devilworks duo says setting up a distribution presence was a natural progression.
“It was something we were always working towards,” says Richardson. “What’s in the future? What are you growing towards? Every company has a future intention and, for us, distribution was always one.”
And while Richardson says that the focus for now is on digital and physical releases in the U.S., forging relationships with cinemas and moving to theatrical is a distinct possibility.
