Altitude Film Entertainment
Leading UK independent film sales, financing, and distribution company. Behind The Theory of Everything, Whiplash, The Favourite, and scores of acclaimed British and international productions.
Overview
Altitude Film Entertainment is one of the most significant independent film companies in the UK, operating across international sales, production financing, and domestic distribution. Founded in 2012 by Will Clarke, Andy Mayson, and Mike Runagall, the company has established itself as a major player in the international sales market while also distributing films theatrically across the UK and Ireland through its domestic distribution arm.
Altitude's dual role as both an international sales agent and a UK theatrical distributor gives it a distinctive position, allowing it to offer filmmakers a comprehensive package covering both global territory sales and direct theatrical release in one of the world's most important specialty film markets.
History
Will Clarke, Andy Mayson, and Mike Runagall launched Altitude Film Entertainment in 2012, combining backgrounds in international film sales, distribution, and financing. The company quickly built credibility with major acquisitions and sales representation at the top festivals.
Altitude's international sales catalog includes The Theory of Everything (2014), Whiplash (2014), The Favourite (2018), Mary Queen of Scots (2018), 1917 (2019, international sales), The Father (2020), C'mon C'mon (2021), The Duke (2020), Mothering Sunday (2021), Empire of Light (2022), and Jules (2023). The company has represented films that collectively earned dozens of Academy Award nominations and multiple wins.
The company's UK distribution operation handles theatrical releases for its acquisitions and for third-party films, providing a direct pipeline from international acquisition to UK theatrical release.
Operations
- International sales -- world sales representation at Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, and the American Film Market
- Production financing -- equity investment and gap financing for qualifying projects
- UK theatrical distribution -- releases approximately 15 to 20 films per year in UK cinemas
- Home entertainment -- manages UK physical and digital home entertainment releases
What Filmmakers Should Know
Altitude evaluates films across the prestige and commercial independent spectrum, with a strong track record in awards-oriented content. For filmmakers with projects that have strong UK or English-language market potential, Altitude offers the rare combination of international sales representation and direct UK distribution in a single relationship.
The company's presence at all major film markets means it sees a broad range of projects. Engagement typically routes through producers, entertainment lawyers, and agents with existing Altitude relationships.
See Also
For understanding how UK independent distribution and international sales work, see Distribution Deals Explained. To model revenue projections, use the Revenue Forecast Calculator.
