STUDIOCANAL has confirmed the acquisition of a majority stake in the Italian production and distribution outfit Lucky Red.
Since its founding by Andrea Occhipinti in 1987 as an indie arthouse film distributor, the company has released 600-plus movies, with a slate that includes titles from Bong Joon-ho, Jafar Panahi, Joachim Trier, Paolo Sorrentino, Paul Thomas Anderson, Wim Wenders, Danny Boyle, Luca Guadagnino, Alexander Payne, and more.
For STUDIOCANAL, the deal gives it direct operations in Italy, joining a distribution and production presence across Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the U.K., as well as in Australia and New Zealand, with offices in the U.S. and China. Lucky Red, meanwhile, will benefit from the opportunity to be part of more ambitious projects.
Anna Marsh, CEO of STUDIOCANAL and COO of CANAL+, said, “I am delighted that STUDIOCANAL is deepening its partnership with the incredibly talented team at Lucky Red, one of Italy’s most vibrant film and television companies. This development enables us to gain a solid presence in one of Europe’s prime markets, further reinforcing our status as the leading European studio. Both Lucky Red and STUDIOCANAL are dedicated to bold and distinctive storytelling across all forms, supported by deeply experienced teams committed to delivering extraordinary stories to audiences. This collaboration will further strengthen Lucky Red’s position as a major player in film and television”.
Occhipinti, founder and CEO of Lucky Red, added, “We are thrilled to be joining the most dynamic company in the European entertainment industry. Lucky Red and STUDIOCANAL are both distributors and producers of successful films and series, with complementary strengths and a shared long-term vision. Thanks to the incredible catalogue of film from STUDIOCANAL and its production slate, this prestigious international partnership will allow Lucky Red to strengthen its legitimacy as a major player in the local film industry, attracting high-caliber talent and producing first-class content. I firmly believe that this is a perfect match and a great opportunity for further growth.”
