Barnholtz opens production, distribution company
Will offer Blu-ray free with three DVD rental copies
By Cindy Spielvogel -- Video Business, 12/10/2008
DEC. 10 | Barry Barnholtz, head of Lionsgate-distributed Barnholtz Entertainment, has launched a new DVD production and distribution company that will self-distribute its films.
Called North American Motion Pictures, the company will release its first DVD, Redemption, a theatrically released western, on Feb. 10 (prebook Jan. 6; $26.99).
NAMP plans to also release its titles in Blu-ray Disc, offering the high-def version for free to retailers who buy three copies of the standard DVD. The program is designed to promote rental profitability. Blu-ray will not be available separately.
The company will offer retailers a commercial for regional placement and will employ Internet marketing, Barnholtz said.
Serving as executive VP of NAMP will be Tom Sykes, who founded New Light Entertainment and previously worked as VP of sales for Showtime Network’s home entertainment product.
Barnholtz said Sykes will eventually have four sales representatives but that the intent is to keep the operation small. “I am a firm believer in keeping overhead low,” said Barnholtz.
Barnholtz Entertainment titles will continue to be released through Lionsgate until January 2010, after which the company's productions will be distributed through NAMP.
Since February 2006, 19 of 20 Barnholtz films distributed by Lionsgate have ranked as Top 10 non-theatrical rental titles, according to Rentrak. Two titles reached No. 1, The Legend of Butch and Sundance and Ed Gein: Butcher of Plainfield.
“We appreciate the expertise and commitment to our partnership shown by Steve Beeks and the Lionsgate team,” Barnholtz said.
Also on the NAMP release slate is the acquisition Dark Reel, a horror film starring Edward Furlong and Lance Henricksen. It will be released March 10 (prebook Feb. 3; DVD $26.99). Following it will be the acquisitions Come Hell or High Water (a western), Ghost Cat starring Ellen Page, horror film Ghosts of Goldfield and Lockjaw: Rise of the Kulev starring rapper DMX.
Barnholtz was a co-founder of Vidmark Entertainment in 1983 before it became Trimark Pictures and eventually part of Lionsgate.
