First Independent Films
TypeFilm distributor, home video company
Founded1981 (1981) (as Vestron Video International)
1990 (1990) (as First Independent Films)
Defunct1999 (1999)
FateSold to and later folded into Columbia TriStar Home Video
Headquarters
London, England
OwnerHTV
Columbia TriStar Home Video

First Independent Films was a British film distributor and home video company that replaced Vestron Video International's UK operations. HTV, the ITV franchise holder for Wales and the West of England, acquired Vestron UK in May 1990 and renamed the company to First Independent Films.[1][2][3]

Although a small film company, the company distributed a wide selection of genres, but they mainly served as a distributor for New Line Cinema, Turner Pictures Worldwide Distribution and Hanna-Barbera until they were sold to Warner Bros. in 1996. The company also distributed independent films.

Some films released by First Independent Films were distributed and marketed by Cinema Club, a home video company that specialises in movies owned by Video Collection International (now 2 Entertain).

Following the commercial failure of G.I. Jane in the UK, First Independent Films' owners (United News & Media, by this point the parent company of HTV) put the company up for sale.[1] First Independent Films was sold to Columbia TriStar Home Video (now Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) and the label was folded into Columbia TriStar in 1999. However, Columbia TriStar continued to use the First Independent Films label for some years afterwards.

Film releases

Films distributed theatrically by First Independent Films include:

1991:

1992:

1993:

1994:

1995:

1996:

1997:

1998

1999:

References

  1. 1 2 Dawtrey, Adam (26 February 1998). "First Independent on Block". Variety. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  2. ↑ Bonner, Paul; Aston, Lesley (1998). Independent Television in Britain: ITV and IBA 1981-92: The Old Relationship Changes - Volume 5. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 9780230373242. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  3. ↑ Groves, Don (20 January 1991). "Ambitious Plans On Tap At New HTV Subsid". Variety. Retrieved 9 September 2018.


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