23/09/2013 - Distribution wing of Icon re-launched by investment group, Ian Dawson to take up the position of Chief Executive Officer

Investment group New Sparta Ltd has acquired Icon Film Distribution (IFD), the UK distribution operation of Icon UK Group. Ian Dawson will take up the position of Chief Executive Officer at IFD and Norman Humphrey is joining IFD as Executive Chairman and Chief Operating Officer. The IFD team, including Head of Theatrical Zak Brilliant, Head of Home Entertainment Ray Primett and Operations Manager Sarah Brady will be augmented by a number of key individuals to be announced soon.

The acquisition, which includes titles released though IFD’s output deal with Lionsgate and the UK library, will see IFD acquiring films again for all media. As part of the relaunch, IFD will have access to future funding through New Sparta for the acquisition of film distribution rights and P+A finance.

Dr Jerome Booth, New Sparta founder said, “IFD is a successful, well established and respected film distribution company and we very much look forward to working with Ian and Norman to build this business into the UK’s premier distribution company of choice for high quality and commercially successful film production companies.”

New IFD CEO, Ian Dawson added, “We will re-establish Icon Film Distribution as a truly independent UK film company with a talented, passionate team working closely with film makers to bring quality, distinctive material to UK audiences.  Dr Booth, through New Sparta, is demonstrating a real commitment to the UK film industry and this makes them the ideal partner to help us to successfully deliver on our exciting plans.”

IFD UK titles include Mike Disa’s Postman Pat: The Movie [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Nicolas Winding Refn’s Only God Forgives [+see also:
film review
trailer
making of
interview: Nicolas Winding Refn
film profile], Adam Wingard’s and James Wan’s Demonic.