Evolution Pictures launches with Anchor Bay exec

Former Anchor Bay director of acquisitions Rod Smith was today announced as chief operating officer of Evolution Pictures, a new London-based finance and production company. 

Evolution will be allied to finance, sales and production outfit GFM Films, which will support Evolution financially as well as handle worldwide sales of their product.

While at Anchor Bay, Smith forged a co-production pact with producer Jonathan Sothcott’s Richwater Films.  Titles produced together include We Still Kill in the Old Way and Age of Kill.  

Smith also oversaw development and production of the Somme-inspired zombie film, World War Dead with Next Level Film’s Freddie Hutton Mills and Bart Ruspoli.

Smith said: “In conjunction with GFM Films we will be financing, developing and producing a slate of commercially attractive and entertaining films. 

“We want to utilise the incredible talent we have here in the UK to create films that really resonate with our audience and become modern day iconic favourites, as well as work with international partners to entertain a global audience.”

Smith said he will be “taking meetings at AFM” with “old and new producing, directing and writing partners”.

GFM’s Guy Collins said his company will support Evolution “financially” as well as providing “worldwide distribution relationships and support in business affairs, financial management and sales administration.”