UK distributors Momentum Pictures and Pathe Distribution have struck a joint venture deal which will see the companies sharing acquisition and distribution costs on larger budget titles. Under the deal, the companies will take turns handling theatrical and home entertainment releases.

The first film acquired under the joint venture is Robert Altman's The Company from UK-based sales agent Capitol Films, in a deal closed at this week's Mifed market.

Pathe will distribute The Company theatrically, with Momentum taking responsibility for the DVD and video release.

Set in a dance company, the film stars Neve Campbell as a gifted but conflicted company member on the verge of becoming a primary dancer. Malcolm McDowell and James Franco also star.

The film started shooting on October 21 in Chicago. Neve Campbell, Pamela Koffler, and Christine Vachon are producing. The screenplay is written by Barbara Turner.

The Pathe-Momentum deal was brokered by Francois Ivernel, managing director of Pathe Pictures, and David Kosse, managing director of Momentum Pictures. Pathe previously struck a co-acquisition/distribution deal with the now drastically-reduced FilmFour.