Pathé Eyes return to film production in the UK: “We miss It too much”
In a move that could signal a revival of British cinema partnerships, French studio Pathé is contemplating a return to film development and production in the United Kingdom, just two years after it exited the market.
The decision to withdraw in 2023 sent ripples through the UK film industry, as the studio — known for backing critically acclaimed titles such as Slumdog Millionaire, The Queen, The Iron Lady, and Philomena — announced it would focus exclusively on scripted television in the territory. The departure was prompted by the retirement of long-serving Pathé UK head Cameron McCracken, and the transition of Faith Penhale to lead the newly refocused TV development arm. The oversight of English-language film projects was consequently transferred to the company’s Paris headquarters.
At the time, the retreat marked the end of an era, closing a significant chapter in Pathé’s involvement with British cinema. However, speaking to Deadline ahead of the Cannes Film Festival, Pathé President Ardavan Safaee has revealed that the company is actively exploring the possibility of rekindling its UK film operations.
“I think we’re going to start up again in the UK, with Pathé UK,” Safaee said. “Today, the team there is focused mainly on series. We’re going to re-mobilise, to get back on track with English-language films too.”
Safaee emphasised that the studio’s withdrawal was never a reflection of its passion for British cinema, but rather a consequence of an unsustainable business model in the wake of the pandemic. “We didn’t leave the UK because we didn’t like it. We left because our business model no longer worked on the films we were making,” he explained. “I think we were waiting to see how the market evolved. Did it make sense to make films in English again? Was there a market for it?”
Reflecting on the evolving post-pandemic landscape, Safaee believes the conditions are once again ripe for investment in english-language cinema from the UK. “The market has changed a lot post-Covid. There are opportunities opening up that are more significant. Even creatively, I find that films have recently taken over from series in terms of originality and creativity. I see films today that are more original, that are taking a few more risks,” he noted.
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Safaee hinted at a desire to reignite old collaborations with British producers and talent, with plans to put a dedicated team back in place this year. “If there are producers who are willing to carry these projects, we will support them at Pathé UK. I want us to pick up where we left off and, starting from this year, reconnect with the producers and talent to start developing again,” he said.
The renewed interest in the UK comes as Pathé looks to broaden its horizons globally. Earlier this week, shipping magnate Rodolphe Saadé acquired a 20% stake in the studio, with the investment earmarked for internationally-oriented films and series, as well as the modernisation of its cinema network across Europe.
Safaee acknowledged that the desire to reconnect with the UK film industry is part of a broader strategy to produce more english-language content from a European base. “It goes beyond the UK. I think it’s more European than that, it’s more global. I also see that there is perhaps a lack of original films in the United States and that American actors are also starting to work on films in Europe, because we can offer new things,” he said. “So yes, I want there to be a team in England, but I want it to be a team that is not only focused on English films, but also European films in the English language.”
Pathé arrives at Cannes this year with the opening film Leave One Day and Martin Bourboulon’s 13 days, 13 nights, set during the fall of Kabul, playing out of competition — underlining the studio’s continued ambition on the global stage.
