Point of view of a distributor : Thomas Jalili Haghighi (Universal Vintage)

Universal Pictures International France is a distribution film company based in Paris, subsidiary of Universal Studio owned by Comcast group.

What does the MIFC represent to Universal Vintage?

Universal Vintage is the first BtoB label created by UPI France that is entirely dedicated to the exploitation of classics movies in theatres. Since its announce and launch during the French Studio Show Convention in 2016, we had the ambition to be present in every single classic cinema market that matters. The MIFC is an essential reference and it seemed natural to take part of it. We are certain this would enhance our understanding of the economical, technical and artistic issues about classic cinema, in order to reinforce the great dynamic powering our Universal Vintage label.

Marketwise, how important is classic cinema to Universal?

Universal is one of the most fertile US majors in terms of quality pictures production, whatever its genre. Our catalog includes comedies, great historical stories, science-fiction movies, animation, horror and so. We rely on a whole and rich range of movies that allows all kind of developments.

Since our recent efforts on our catalog in 2013, we initiated a first phase of digitalization of great titles, beginning with Jaws, Return to the Future and Gladiator. With the nomination, in 2016, of our new managing director, Xavier Albert, we could proceed to a second phase with the Universal Vintage label, digitalizing other titles like The Breakfast Club, Notting Hill and Carlito’s Way.

Even considering the concurrence in France, with more than 10 new releases each week, we manage to succeed many operations with circuits and independent cinemas, and even one-shot events. We are also planning a long term approach by registering our movies in the French educational programs - Ecole, Collège, Lycéens et apprentis au Cinéma.

What kind of strategy could Universal Vintage deploy to strengthen its foothold on this specific French market?

We aim to continue our development by digitalizing very artistically and commercially powerful titles. Movies that could federate very large communities of fans. That’s one of the benefits of the digital sphere. And even more, it offers exhibitors new possibilities to support each classical release on social media, a communication which not requires any substantial financial investment, while offering their audience an high quality alternative program.