Hammer Films owner John Gore Studios acquires UK genre pioneer Tyburn Film Productions

EXCLUSIVE: John Gore Studios has acquired veteran UK genre producer Tyburn Film Productions Limited along with its film and television catalogue.

Tyburn’s library includes classic horror and thriller titles starring Peter Cushing, John Mills, Ray Milland, Christopher Lee, Anne Baxter and Lana Turner.

The deal expands John Gore Studios’ existing IP catalogue, and also paves the way for future remakes and adaptations of Tyburn films.

John Gore Studios already houses legendary horror label Hammer Films, which it acquired in 2023.

John Gore Studios also owns UK film restoration specialist Silver Salt Restoration, which will restore Tyburn films, and international sales and UK distribution group KFilm. The studio also recently announced a majority investment in UK production company Hilltop Screen, expanding its production capabilities.

John Gore Studios said the deal reflects its strategy to acquire and revitalise iconic film libraries and heritage brands.

Founded in 1971 by Kevin Francis, Tyburn productions include gothic horror films such as The Creeping Flesh (1973) starring Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee and Lorna Heilbron; The Ghoul (1975) with Cushing, John Hurt, Gwen Watford and Alexandra Bastedo; and Legend of the Werewolf (1975) starring Cushing, Ron Moody and Hugh Griffith.

Tyburn’s psychological thrillers include Persecution (1974) starring Lana Turner and Trevor Howard and Murder Elite (1985) with Ali MacGraw, Billie Whitelaw and Hywell Bennett.

John Gore Studios was officially launched earlier this year by veteran British theatre producer John Gore, who has won 25 Tony awards as well as two Emmys and two Oliviers. Its team includes CEO Hilary Strong, who has a track record in managing IP and literary estates as a former head of Agatha Christie Ltd and commercial director at Hat Trick productions. Chief acquisitions officer Jonathan Lack is responsible for acquiring catalogues, intellectual property and production companies.

The studio’s film production slate includes new projects such as the Mike Newell directed The Duchess And I, starring Joan Collins and Isabella Rossellini; Hammer Films project Ithaqua, directed by Casey Walker and starring Luke Hemsworth; Alex Marx’s The Queen of Fashion, starring Andrea Riseborough; and Frank and Percy, starring Ian McKellen and Roger Allam.

This year the company began restoring classic films from the Hammer archive. The 4K restorations, handled by Silver Salt, are being released as Limited Collector’s Editions and theatrically through Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment.

Gore said: “Tyburn Films was a genre pioneer, elevating British horror and thrillers to new heights of storytelling. We see this acquisition as an opportunity to honour that legacy while imagining bold new futures for these stories across today’s global platforms.”

Kevin Francis, founder of Tyburn, said: “After 54 years with Tyburn, it is time for me to take things a little easier. Over the next year, I shall continue with Tyburn and assist in consolidating it within the John Gore Studios Group. I cannot think of a better future home for Tyburn and its catalogue - John Gore Studios understands both the tradition and opportunity which come with Tyburn.”

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