THINKFilm Sold to Capitol Films Posted: Oct 24, 2006

THINKFilm, a North American independent distributor, announced today it has been acquired by film financier and producer David Bergstein, who previously had acquired Capitol Films, one of Europe's international film production, financing, and sales companies. According to THINKFilm, the private sale ensures an exciting future for THINKFilm and an important move for Capitol into North American distribution. The combined companies will be a formidable new force in the independent marketplace. Financial details of the transaction are not being disclosed.

"We look forward to a bright and successful future. Today's transaction will enable THINKFilm to expand even further and faster, giving us extended resources and opportunities to pursue the films we're known for and beyond," said Jeff Sackman, President and CEO, THINKFilm. "Most importantly, we're extremely proud of our accomplishments at THINKFilm. Five years ago, we started from scratch, and with hard work, dedicated employees, and a forward-thinking vision, we built up a sizeable distribution company that continues to deliver quality independent films throughout North America."

The driving force behind the business deal on THINKFilm's behalf was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Marc Hirshberg. Creative Artists Agency (CAA) acted as advisor and broker to THINKFilm and facilitated the transaction. With over 20 purchase enquiries fielded by THINKFilm, CAA worked diligently to ensure that THINK would continue with a business partner that shared the same vision.

"We're thrilled to be in the THINKFilm business. From the outset, it was clear we shared an overall vision for success, and a deep-rooted passion to continuously deliver high-quality films," said David Bergstein, Chairman of both Capitol and now THINKFilm. "In five short years, THINKFilm's contributions to the film landscape can be considered nothing short of an extraordinary accomplishment, and I believe our complementary skills will play a large role in our collective growth in the years to come. The collaboration will allow us to pursue our grand vision, including becoming more involved in production, wider releases, and rapid expansion."

THINKFilm is a privately held production and distribution company currently celebrating its fifth anniversary. Boasting four Academy Award nominations in as many years, and a win with Born Into Brothels in 2005, current theatrical films include the highly acclaimed Ryan Gosling drama, Half Nelson; the sophomore offering from John Cameron Mitchell called Shortbus; the Heath Ledger/Abbie Cornish drama Candy which opens on November 17; and the Morgan Freeman/Paz Vega film 10 Items or Less which opens on December 1.

Capitol Films has grown from a small London-based sales and financing company to an international entertainment group with interests in production, post production, library management and foreign sales. The acquisition of THINKFilm brings physical distribution to the organisation and adds an East Coast presence to the LA and London offices. Capitol finances a growing number of independent productions each year, including Sidney Lumet's "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney and Marisa Tomei, which is currently in post-production in NY.