Sky, StudioCanal agree movie pact

Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy in The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

Sky and French production and distribution firm StudioCanal have inked a deal to bring the latter’s blockbuster movies to the European pay TV operator’s services.

Under the deal, StudioCanal’s titles scheduled for release from this month onwards will be brought to Sky Cinema and Now TV after their theatrical debuts.

These films include Supernova, starring Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci as a gay couple affected by dementia; The Last Letter From Your Lover, adapted from JoJo Moyes’ novel of the same name; action thriller Gunpowder Milkshake, starring Karen Gillan; and The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy.

In addition to the theatrical slate, movies from StudioCanal’s back catalogue will be made available. Titles include Paddington, Legend, The Imitation Game and The Hurt Locker.

Sarah Wright, director of Sky Cinema and acquisitions at Sky UK, said: “There is so much to look forward to already on Sky Cinema this year. StudioCanal’s brilliant theatrical slate with highly anticipated, talent-driven films such as Supernova, The Last Letter From Your Lover and The Electrical Life of Louis Wain to name a few, is a fantastic addition to the service.”

In related news, Sky1 in the UK has commissioned a fourth 8×60’ run of crime drama Bulletproof, starring Noel Clarke and Ashley Walters, ahead of the premiere of its third run on January 20.

The series is produced by UK indie Vertigo Films and shooting on season four will take place in London later this year. NBCUniversal Global Distribution handles international sales.