Icon UK strikes Canadian output deal with D Films

The Icon UK Group has struck an exclusive long-term, multi-picture output deal with Canadian distributor D Films.

The deal reunites Icon chief executive Stewart Till with D Films chairman Darryl Iwai, who previouisly worked together at PolyGram and Signpost. Till will join the board of D Films.

Under the terms, D Films will become the exclusive Canadian distributor of all Icon content, including the film & TV library. D Films will also have access to Icon’s international sales business and its direct operating territories.

D Films plans to release 5-6 Icon films per year initially, which will grow to 6-8 annually.

“We are very pleased to have successfully concluded this negotiation and have Icon as our international partner,” said Darryl Iwai. “Their leadership and high quality content will provide D FILMS with immediate growth opportunities in the worldwide markets through Icon’s expanding network of international distribution and sales companies.  I thank Stewart for his confidence in our organization and look forward to working with him on our Board of Directors.”

Stewart Tilladded: “Darryl and Jim’s track record as premier film executives will ensure that D Films will quickly become a significant and impressive distributor in Canada. We are very happy to entrust our films to them.”

The deal, which is effective immediately, was negotiated by Jim Sherry, Darryl Iwai and Samantha Prasad of Minden Gross LLP for D FILMS and by Stewart Till, Dave Harries and Anthony Buckner on behalf of Icon Entertainment International. 

D Films, founded in 2009, is led by president/CEO Jim Sherry, a veteran of Alliance Atlantis, New Line and Miramax Films. The company’s slate also includes Monsters and Winnie.