Metrodome to launch sales agency

Metrodome is currently speaking to candidates for the posts of managing director and head of acquisitions. The sales agency will be based at the company’s Leicester Square offices.

Mark Webster, chairman and CEO of Metrodome, told Screen: “We’re actively speaking to candidates now with a view to launching in early 2011. A sales agency would complement well with our existing UK film distribution and international TV rights management businesses offering a one-stop shop for producers and rights-holders across TV and film.”

The news follows Metrodome’s recent acquisition of international television rights management business Target Entertainment.

The move comes despite publicly traded Metrodome announcing in July that talks to acquire the company had broken down and numerous staff departures in 2010. CEO Peter Urie, general manager Sara Frain and publicity head Christelle Randall all left the company this year. Yesterday, Metrodome also announced that head of acquisitions and production James Brown would be joining Neon Park as a managing director. Brown will continue in his former role at Metrodome on a consultancy basis.

Earlier in the year Metrodome had said that it would “significantly reduce its theatrical distribution business”. Today’s announcement of expansion into the film sales arena represents a significant new facet to the company.

Metrodome’s past releases include Donnie Darko, Monster, The Counterfeiters, Fifty Dead Men Walking, Days of Glory, Water, I Am Love, Lebanon, and current release The Secret In Their Eyes. The company’s first co-production, Age of Heroes starring Sean Bean and Danny Dyer, will premiere at the AFM.