Julia Weber and Alice von Einem (formerly Buquoy) have announced the first projects from their recently formed global world sales company, Epsilon Film, a subsidiary of Beta Film. The label will specialize in the worldwide distribution of feature films, focusing on genres such as family entertainment and IP-driven content with broad commercial appeal, selecting and participating in projects at the earliest stage and collaborating through development, financing and production.
The two industry veterans are well known for their many years as Head of International Acquisitions & Sales and SVP International Acquisitions & Sales at Munich-based distribution company Global Screen, a TELEPOOL brand. As Managing Directors, both will oversee Epsilon Film’s sales and acquisitions activities. They are supported by Matthias Ziegler, a former Global Screen colleague, who brings a wealth of production experience to the new venture.
“Epsilon Film’s goal is to co-produce and distribute compelling stories that appeal to audiences of all ages and create cinematic and commercial cinema with a global reach,” said Weber and von Einem. “On top of our experience and solid producing partners, we can furthermore benefit and synergize from Beta’s attractive and broad corporate positioning and excellent reputation. Not only the excellent TV distribution with its great successes, but also the partnerships with distributors, producers and service providers from Germany and abroad are an important aspect. The lean and personal structure of Epsilon allows us to act quickly with the agility of a small boutique, while having the clout of a major player through the set-up. We are looking forward to meeting our clients and producers at the upcoming EFM in Berlin.”
The EFM (European Film Market), running Feb. 15-21 at the Berlinale, will be the launch pad for Epsilon Film, which will have an office in the Marriot Hotel. Weber and von Einem will be presenting the first titles in the outfit’s portfolio; two high-profile 3D animated films for family audiences based on well-known stories:
The charming and turbulent Snow White and Me, based on the classic fairy tale, is produced by Playwrite (Ronald Kruschak) and Ulysses Filmproduktion (Emely Christians; The Amazing Maurice, Niko – The Reindeer). Renowned Disney Animation screenwriter Philip LaZebnik (Mulan, Pocahontas, Prince of Egypt) is already on board.
FFL Film- und Fernsehlabor (Matthias Drescher) and RISE Pictures (Ulrich Schwarz; Dragon Rider, Stowaway) are producing Nessie Junior, in which none other than the descendant of the famous Loch Ness Monster goes on an exciting adventure for young and old.
“Alice and Julia are veterans in this industry with more than 20 years of experience in acquisitions and sales. With their excellent national and international network of producers and distributors, they are a perfect match to the sister company Beta Cinema,” said Moritz von Kruedener, Managing Director, Beta Film.
Dirk Schürhoff, Managing Director of Beta Cinema, agreed: “Julia and Alice’s experience in family entertainment and animation is really outstanding. We are very happy and proud to welcome them to the Beta family.”
