Screen International
Screen International is a leading British trade publication focused on the global film industry, delivering breaking news, in-depth reviews, festival coverage, and market analysis to professionals in cinema production, distribution, and exhibition.[1] Tracing its origins to 1889 with the Optical Magic Lantern and Cinematograph Journal, the publication in its modern form was established in 1975 when publisher Peter King acquired and rebranded the struggling trade paper CinemaTV Today (launched 1971) into its current form; it has evolved into an essential resource for international film business intelligence.[2] Its digital platform, ScreenDaily.com, launched in 2001, extends this coverage with daily updates, while print editions include monthly issues and specialized festival dailies for events like Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.[3] Ownership transitioned multiple times, from King selling to the International Thomson Organization in 1989, to EMAP in the 1990s, and eventually to Media Business Insight in 2012, before GlobalData acquired the company in 2022 for enhanced data integration across media sectors (as of 2025).[4][5] Renowned for initiatives like the annual Stars of Tomorrow feature spotlighting emerging talent and the Cannes Jury Grid—a critic consensus tracker since 1984 that has predicted over 40% of Palme d'Or winners—the publication underscores its influence on industry discourse and awards season.[6] Screen International also maintains a strong presence at major markets, offering box office data, deal reports, and executive interviews that shape global film strategies.[1]History
Origins in Kinematograph Weekly
The origins of Screen International trace back to 1889, when the publication was founded in London as the monthly Optical Magic Lantern Journal and Photographic Enlarger, a magazine focused on lantern slide technology, photographic techniques, and popular science for lecturers and home users.[7] Initially published by the Optical Magic Lantern Journal Company, it catered to the burgeoning interest in projection devices predating cinema, with content emphasizing practical advice on enlargers and lantern operations.[8] In 1904, amid the rise of moving pictures, the title evolved to The Optical Lantern and Cinematograph Journal, incorporating early film-related discussions while retaining its roots in lantern projection.[7] By 1907, the journal transitioned to a weekly format as The Kinematograph and Lantern Weekly, marking its emergence as Britain's first dedicated cinema trade paper and shifting emphasis toward the nascent film industry, including trade news, equipment reviews, and exhibition tips.[9] This name change reflected the growing dominance of cinematography over static lantern shows, with the publication documenting key technological advancements like film projectors and early screening practices during the silent era.[10] In 1919, it simplified to Kinematograph Weekly, often abbreviated as Kine Weekly in common usage, and continued to serve as a vital resource for the UK film trade, covering production trends, regional cinema openings, and industry meetings from the interwar period through the post-World War II recovery.[11] For instance, it published detailed handbooks on motion picture technology in 1911 and annual box office analyses starting in the 1930s, helping to track the sector's expansion amid economic challenges like the 1924 slump and wartime disruptions.[12][13] The publication underwent a final pre-Screen International transformation in 1959, shortening its name officially to Kine Weekly to appeal to a modernizing audience while maintaining its role in reporting on sound cinema, color film adoption, and post-war studio revivals.[14] In September 1971, facing declining advertising revenues, Kine Weekly merged with its rival Today's Cinema—which had previously been The Daily Cinema from 1957 to 1968—to create Cinema TV Today, a consolidated outlet for comprehensive film business coverage.[15] This merged entity was relaunched in 1975 as Screen International, evolving the legacy into a tabloid-format trade journal.Launch and Ownership Changes
Screen International was relaunched on September 6, 1975, by publisher Peter King, who acquired the title Cinema TV Today from Sir John Woolf for £50,000 and rebranded it to emphasize international scope, building on the foundational predecessor Kinematograph Weekly.[16] The first issue, a 40-page broadsheet priced at 25p, marked its positioning as a weekly trade paper dedicated to the global film business, featuring Hollywood interviews and analysis of industry trends like annual film piracy losses estimated at $930 million.[16] This shift broadened its coverage beyond domestic UK cinema to include international production, distribution, and market dynamics, establishing it as a key resource for filmmakers, executives, and distributors worldwide.[16] King, who had previously worked at Paramount UK and EMI, led the publication until 1989, fostering editorial independence by hiring young journalists and launching initiatives like daily editions at the Cannes Film Festival in the late 1970s.[2] In 1989, he sold Screen International to the International Thomson Organization, providing staff bonuses as part of the transition; Thomson, a Canadian media conglomerate, integrated it into its business publishing portfolio.[2] In 1993, EMAP plc acquired Screen International from Thomson as part of a £20.7 million cash deal for 14 specialist magazines, including related titles like TV World and Broadcast, which generated a combined turnover of £4.75 million and significant international advertising revenue.[17] Under EMAP, the magazine relocated to new London offices and maintained its focus on global film trade while benefiting from the parent's expanded media network, though no major editorial overhauls were reported during this period.[18] EMAP was acquired by Apax Partners in 2008 and restructured as Ascential plc in 2015, prompting a management buyout of the media division that year, backed by Mobeus Equity Partners and Tenzing Private Equity, to form Media Business Insight (MBI) as the independent owner of Screen International and sister brands like Broadcast.[19] MBI, with an £11 million turnover and 70 staff at the time, aimed to invest in digital expansion and content development under CEO Conor Dignam.[19] In June 2022, GlobalData Plc, a UK-listed data and analytics firm with over 3,500 employees across 20 markets, acquired MBI for an undisclosed sum, creating a dedicated Media and Entertainment intelligence division and retaining key leaders Dignam and Alison Pitchford.[4] This ownership change supported ongoing global coverage without reported disruptions to editorial operations through 2025.[4] Originally a weekly publication, Screen International evolved its print frequency to 10 issues per year to align with industry event cycles and digital priorities, while the ISSN 0307-4617 was established post-relaunch to standardize its bibliographic identity.[20] Under MBI ownership, a notable editorial shift occurred in 2019 with a full redesign, introducing sections like "The Briefing" for concise trend reports, "Centrepiece" in-depth interviews with industry leaders, and "Screen Life" Q&As, alongside updated visuals and paper stock to improve readability and analysis depth.[21]Publications
Print Magazine
Screen International's print magazine serves as a cornerstone B2B publication for film professionals worldwide, offering in-depth analysis, critical reviews, and essential industry news tailored to filmmakers, producers, and executives. Published 10 times annually, it delivers targeted coverage of the international film business, including box office data, production updates, and distribution insights.[22][23] The magazine's signature features include comprehensive market reports on key events like the American Film Market and European Film Market, extensive festival coverage from major gatherings such as Cannes and Berlin, and in-depth executive interviews that explore strategic decisions in the industry. These elements provide professionals with actionable intelligence on commercial trends and opportunities, distinguishing the print edition through its structured, thematic depth. For instance, recent issues have highlighted financing challenges and production innovations, such as the evolving role of streaming platforms in global distribution.[3][24][25] Production aspects include an average issue page count supporting detailed features, though exact figures vary, and a distribution reach of approximately 34,000 readers per edition, ensuring wide access among industry decision-makers.[26] As of 2025, the print edition continues to emphasize long-form articles exclusive to its format, delving into complex topics like film financing models, international distribution pipelines, and emerging production trends influenced by technological advancements and market consolidation. These pieces offer nuanced perspectives, such as analyses of European distributor strategies amid rising acquisition costs and US industry adaptations to festival-market shifts. Screen Daily complements this with real-time online updates for breaking developments.[27][28]Screen Daily
Screen Daily represents the digital arm of Screen International, evolving from its print origins to serve as a primary hub for real-time updates in the global film industry. Launched in 2001 as Screendaily.com, it initially focused on delivering immediate news coverage to complement the magazine's periodic analysis, quickly becoming essential for professionals tracking market developments and festival happenings. Over the years, the platform has expanded significantly to incorporate multimedia elements, including video content through series like ScreenDaily Talks and audio podcasts via The Screen Podcast, which features discussions on industry trends, festival insights, and production challenges.[29][30] These additions enhance accessibility, allowing users to engage with in-depth interviews and analyses beyond traditional text reporting. Interactive features, such as daily festival editions and real-time deal announcements, further position it as a dynamic resource for breaking news on film releases, financing, and distribution agreements.[3] Key milestones in its digital growth include the 2015 management buyout of its parent company, Media Business Insight, backed by Mobeus Equity Partners, which facilitated investments in online infrastructure and contributed to rising digital subscriptions amid broader industry shifts toward online consumption.[19] Post-buyout enhancements encompassed improved mobile responsiveness to support on-the-go access for industry executives and the integration of searchable archives, enabling users to retrieve historical coverage dating back to the site's inception. By 2025, these developments have solidified Screen Daily's role in the digital transition, providing instantaneous multimedia delivery as print circulation faces ongoing declines across trade publications.[31] Among its distinctive online offerings, Screen Daily maintains live festival reporting through dedicated hubs for events like Cannes, Venice, and Toronto, offering minute-by-minute updates on premieres, jury decisions, and market transactions.[32] The platform's breaking news section delivers urgent alerts on high-profile deals, such as acquisition announcements and release strategies, often within hours of confirmation. Additionally, its comprehensive archive supports advanced searchability, allowing subscribers to explore decades of content on topics ranging from box office trends to production insights, ensuring long-term value in an era of ephemeral digital media.[33]Editorial and Operations
Editors
Screen International has had over ten editors since its founding in 1975, each contributing to its evolution as a key voice in global film journalism, with transitions often aligning with shifts in ownership, including the 2022 purchase of parent company Media Business Insight by GlobalData.[4] The editors of Screen International have been: Peter Noble (1975–1979); Quentin Falk (1979–1982); Colin Vaines and Adrian Hodges (co-editors, 1982–1983); Terry Ilott (1983–1987); Nick Roddick (1987–1988); Oscar Moore (1991–1994); Boyd Farrow (1995–1998); Colin Brown (1998–2008, Editor-in-Chief); Michael Gubbins (2004–2009); Mike Goodridge (2009–2012); Wendy Mitchell (2012–2014); and Matt Mueller (2015–present).[34] Peter Noble, a seasoned showbusiness journalist and author of biographies on figures like Orson Welles and Bette Davis, served as the inaugural editor from 1975 to 1979.[16] Drawing from his background as an aspiring actor and TV personality, Noble shaped the publication's early strategy by bridging UK-centric reporting with international perspectives, prioritizing global Hollywood interviews alongside domestic news to establish Screen International as a transatlantic industry bridge.[16] His tenure laid the groundwork for the magazine's expansive scope during its launch under Peter King's ownership.[16] Wendy Mitchell held the role from 2012 to 2014, becoming the first woman editor after rising through the ranks at Screen since 2005, from UK reporter to head of content.[35][36] With prior experience at outlets like Entertainment Weekly and indieWIRE, Mitchell drove a digital transformation, integrating print with the online platform ScreenDaily.com to enhance real-time industry coverage and accessibility.[35] Her leadership emphasized content innovation during a period of growing online media demands under Media Business Insight's ownership.[36] Matt Mueller has been editor since 2015, promoted to editor-in-chief in 2024, bringing over two decades of film journalism experience from roles at Total Film and Premiere.[37][38] Mueller has steered the publication toward greater emphasis on global sustainability and diversity, expanding reporting on these issues through initiatives like the 2021 paid traineeship for diverse candidates and the 2023 launch of the Global Production Awards, which honor advancements in sustainable practices and inclusive production.[39][40] In August 2025, under Mueller's leadership, Nikki Baughan was promoted to reviews editor and Wendy Ide to senior international critic.[41] As of November 2025, no changes to the editor-in-chief position have been announced, with Mueller continuing to guide strategy amid GlobalData's ownership.[42] These editors' directions have been bolstered by a network of global correspondents providing on-the-ground insights.[43]Offices and Global Network
Screen International is headquartered in London at John Carpenter House on John Carpenter Street, serving as the base for Media Business Insight, its parent company under the GlobalData Group.[43] This central London location coordinates the publication's editorial and operational activities, including print production and digital content management for its global audience.[44] The organization maintains a North American office in Los Angeles at 6671 West Sunset Boulevard, which supports coverage of Hollywood and U.S. markets while facilitating events and partnerships in the region.[45] Established prior to 2015, this outpost has been integral to expanding Screen International's presence in key film hubs, with leadership such as President for North America Nigel Daly based there since 2003 to drive U.S. and Canadian initiatives in print, digital, and events.[46] Screen International sustains an extensive network of international correspondents for on-the-ground reporting across major markets, including Hollywood, Cannes, and Asia, enabling the sourcing of exclusive content on film industry developments.[38] Post-2015 expansions have bolstered this infrastructure through targeted appointments, such as Asia-focused roles and European correspondents in France and Spain, enhancing coverage in emerging and established territories.[47][48] As of 2025, global coordination relies on editorial oversight to integrate correspondent contributions into cohesive narratives, supporting timely analysis amid the industry's international scope.[49] Operationally, Screen International hosts conferences like the annual Screen Summit at BFI Southbank in London, which convenes producers, financiers, and distributors to discuss UK and global film challenges, exemplifying its role in logistical orchestration of industry gatherings.[50] This event, held on September 30, 2025, underscores the publication's commitment to fostering international dialogue through coordinated hybrid and in-person formats, drawing on its networked resources for comprehensive event management.[51]Awards and Initiatives
Oscar Moore Foundation
The Oscar Moore Foundation was established in 1997 as a charitable trust administered by Screen International, in memory of its former editor-in-chief Oscar Moore, who died in 1996.[52][53] The foundation's primary activity was an annual £10,000 screenwriting prize awarded to emerging European talent from 1997 to approximately 2005, aimed at fostering new voices in script development through financial support and industry exposure.[54] No further awards or major activities have been recorded after 2005 as of November 2025. With actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson serving as its patron, the foundation organized high-profile events, including prize-giving ceremonies and annual film quizzes attended by industry figures such as Stephen Fry and Anthony Minghella, who later became an honorary trustee.[54][52] The selection process involved submissions of original screenplays, judged by a panel of industry professionals, culminating in public readings and awards that connected winners to potential collaborators; for instance, the 2004 winner partnered with director Steven Shainberg on a project adaptation.[53][55] Past recipients, such as the 2005 winner for A Killing in the Woods and 2001's Marcus Lloyd for Cuckoo, leveraged the prize to advance their careers, contributing to the development of feature films and highlighting the foundation's role in nurturing talent.[56][57] In addition to the monetary award, the foundation supported educational initiatives, such as a 2001 script workshop in partnership with the EU's Arista training program, providing mentorship and practical training to participants.[58] This reflected its ties to Screen International's editorial legacy of promoting cinematic storytelling, with events like the annual quiz serving as fundraisers to sustain the prize.[56]Stars of Tomorrow
Stars of Tomorrow is an annual initiative launched by Screen International in 2004 to spotlight emerging talent in the UK film industry, initially focusing on actors to amplify voices that might otherwise go unnoticed.[59] Curated by Patricia Dobson until 2010, the program began as a portfolio feature highlighting promising performers through industry endorsements and showcases.[59] In 2011, Fionnuala Halligan assumed the role of curator, marking a pivotal expansion to include filmmakers such as writers and directors, broadening the initiative's scope beyond acting.[59][60] This evolution continued in 2021 with the addition of a heads of department category, encompassing behind-the-scenes roles like casting directors, cinematographers, and production designers to recognize below-the-line contributions.[61] By 2025, the program had grown to include international offshoots in regions like Ireland, Scotland, Spain, and the Arab world, while maintaining its core UK and Ireland focus.[59][62] The selection process relies on nominations from industry professionals, supplemented by evaluations of screenplays, short films, theatre performances, and film school outputs, with hundreds of candidates reviewed annually.[59][63] Criteria prioritize individuals demonstrating high potential for impactful contributions to cinema, with an emphasis on inclusivity across class, race, gender, and ability to reflect diverse talent pipelines.[59] In the 2000s, the initiative centered on actors, featuring early recognitions such as Carey Mulligan and Benedict Cumberbatch in its inaugural 2004 list, alongside talents like David Oyelowo in 2005.[59] The 2010s introduced filmmakers, with writer-director Rowan Athale highlighted in 2011 for his emerging voice in UK indie cinema.[64][59] The 2020s have emphasized diverse categories, as seen in the 2021 cohort's inclusion of heads of department like casting director Heather Basten, and the 2025 edition's selection of 11 actors—including Primetime Emmy winner Owen Cooper—and nine filmmakers such as writer-director Shalini Adnani.[65][62][66] Since its inception, Stars of Tomorrow has honored hundreds of alumni whose careers have propelled the program’s reputation, including Oscar winners Eddie Redmayne and Riz Ahmed, Bafta recipients, and stars in major franchises like Doctor Who and The Batman.[59] The initiative has served as a critical career launchpad, offering validation and visibility that encourages persistence amid industry challenges, with sustained impact evident in alumni breakthroughs through 2025.[59]Global Production Awards
The Global Production Awards were launched in 2023 by Screen International in association with KFTV, recognizing excellence in film and television production, locations, studios, and sustainable practices across the international screen industry.[67][68] The awards aim to highlight innovative contributions that advance global production capabilities, with a particular emphasis on environmental sustainability and technological progress, such as virtual production techniques. Held annually, the event features an open entry process where submissions from around the world are evaluated, followed by a shortlist announcement and final judging by a panel of industry executives from organizations including HBO, A24, and Amazon Studios.[69][70] The awards structure includes competitive categories that cover production entities, locations, and initiatives, judged on criteria such as innovation, impact, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Key events include entry deadlines with early-bird incentives, shortlist reveals in spring, and a winners ceremony during the Cannes Film Festival, providing a platform for networking and announcements tied to the broader industry conference.[71][72] From their inception, the awards have encompassed both film and television sectors, with dedicated categories like Sustainable Production Award for film and TV to reflect the evolving convergence of these industries.[68][73] In 2025, marking the third edition, winners were announced on May 19 at the Mademoiselle Gray Plage Barrière in Cannes, showcasing global innovation through examples like the Virtual Production Innovation Award, won by Spain Film Commission's white paper and digital assets project for advancing immersive technologies.[73][74] Environmental impact was highlighted in categories such as the Sustainability Initiative Award, awarded to Garden Studios' Re-Set Programme in the UK for reducing production waste, and the Sustainable Production Awards, recognizing Universal Filmed Entertainment Group's Love Hurts (film) and Three Arrows Media's Awesome Animals And Mini Me (TV) for eco-friendly practices.[75][74] Other notable 2025 recipients included Cinespace Studios (Canada) for Studio of the Year, demonstrating scalable infrastructure for international shoots, and Belfast, Northern Ireland, for City of Film, underscoring regional economic contributions.[74]| Category | 2025 Winner | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| City of Film | Belfast, Northern Ireland (Northern Ireland Screen) | Urban production hub innovation |
| Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award | A Quiet Love (Curious North Productions, Ireland) | Inclusive storytelling practices |
| Economic & Social Impact Award | Māoriland (Māoriland Productions & Film Festival, New Zealand) | Community engagement during production |
| Emerging Location Award | Frøya, Norway (Midgard Film Commission Norway) | New talent in location scouting |
| Film Commission of the Year - City/Region | BC Film Commission at Creative BC, Canada | Service to international productions |
| Film Commission of the Year - Country | Spain Film Commission | National support for global shoots |
| Impact Leadership Award | Craig Gainsborough, Greenlit (New Zealand) | Leadership in sustainable innovation |
| Location of the Year | Ravenscourt Park Hospital, UK (Location Collective) | Versatile site utilization |
| Outstanding Use of Locations | Touch (Focus Features & Universal Pictures, US) | Creative location integration |
| Studio of the Year | Cinespace Studios (Canada) | Infrastructure excellence |
| Sustainability Initiative Award | Re-Set Programme (Garden Studios, UK) | Waste reduction strategies |
| Sustainable Production Award (Film) | Love Hurts (Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, US) | Eco-conscious filming methods |
| Sustainable Production Award (TV) | Awesome Animals And Mini Me (Three Arrows Media, Final Pixel & Sky Kids, UK) | Green TV production techniques |
| Virtual Production Innovation Award | Virtual Audiovisual Production White Paper & El Escorial Digital Assets (Spain Film Commission) | Technological advancements in virtual sets |