Comic book link-up for Intandem
Jul 24 2007 By John Revill, Business Staff
Intandem Films, the AIM-listed company headed by Birmingham entrepreneur Gary Smith, has bought a five per cent stake in American comic book company Radical Publishing.
Intandem, which has just completed the financing for the film How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, has been appointed as international sales agent and executive producer for both Radical Publishing Inc and its sister movie production business Blatant Pictures.
The London-based film company has made an undisclosed six figure investment in the American comic book publisher in order to obtain new ideas for film projects.
Radical Publishing was founded by Barry Levine, a former business partner with Mike Richardson and Dark Horse Entertainment, whose credits include Timecop and Hell Boy.
Radical was formed in late 2006, has nominal net assets and has not yet reported a profit.
But Intandem said it believed that it holds intangible assets which have the potential to be of significant value in the future.
Radical, whose books cover genre-based crime, supernatural, horror and fantasy themes, will unveil its first batch of graphic novels at the Comic-Con show in San Diego this week.
The event, which has been likened to the Cannes Film Festival for comic books, is often attended by film companies searching for scripts and new ideas.
Radical will launch Legends, its version of the famous fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel, Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood.
Other projects include live action versions of Aladdin, Hercules and Medieval, a Braveheart-like film about Vikings.
The first fruits of the tie-up are expected to enter production next year with the film being released after that.
Meanwhile, Radical is looking to produce a comic book version of Gallow Walker, the spaghetti western supernatural horror film Intandem is currently producing starring Wesley Snipes.
Gary Smith, chairman and chief executive of Intandem, said: "As a film company we have to have a good supply of scripts and story material.
"We have a deal with the UK Film Council and this is another source of products for us.
"Comic book films have been very popular recently, with 300 and Spider-Man doing well, and next year there will be films about the Iron Man for example.
"If we can do one film a year from this link-up we will be delighted. These are going to be big budget films.
"Even if we don't make the films ourselves, we will benefit from our stake when somebody else makes them."
Hercules, for example, is to be made by Universal which has signed a deal to distribute it. Mr Smith added: "This strategic investment gives us the scope to move into channels outside the movie industry.
"The board views this as a long-term strategic investment that meets our business philosophy."
In addition Intandem will work closely with Radical Publishing by acting as the sales agent for both them and Blatant Pictures output.
Intandem receives executive producer credits on projects with the remit to source financing for all forthcoming products, whilst also participating in all Radical Publishing merchandising, film, TV and animation revenue opportunities.
Barry Levine, president and publisher of Radical Publishing Inc, said: "The team at Intandem really understand Radical Publishing's goal and vision.
"Out of all the potential business partners, Intandem saw beyond the comic book content.
"They share our desire to give people quality.
"I am looking forward to working with Gary and his team as they help us expand in movies and beyond."
