Jeremy Thomas and Hengameh Panahi announce today the merger of HanWay Films and Celluloid Dreams to create Dreamachine. Based in London, Paris and Toronto the new venture creates a substantial independent sales, production and financing house with a library of 500 titles comprising a Who’s Who of the world’s greatest filmmakers.

Panahi and Thomas act as joint chairmen, with Panahi specifically overseeing acquisitions and production. Tim Haslam acts as CEO, with particular responsibility for sales, distribution and marketing. Peter Watson, Philippe Aigle, Stephan Mallmann and Charlotte Mickie also sit on the board.

Tim Haslam states, “Dreamachine’s ambition is to build a multi-media business based upon a regular supply of quality cinema. Dreamachine unites two very talented teams whose commitment to delivering award-winning films is total and passionate.”

Panahi adds, “In Jeremy I have found a like-minded partner with a real passion for movies. Together we create a totally independent European group acknowledged by great depth of international experience and proven track-record. Celluloid Dreams was known as “The Directors Label” and specialised in discovering unique talents worldwide and building their international career. For the last three years, the company has been expanding into higher-budget English-language movies, including Todd Haynes’ I’m Not There, and co-productions such as Michael Haneke’s Funny Games.”

Jeremy Thomas says, “I originally created HanWay to service the worldwide ambitions of Recorded Picture Company and to make it available to other independent filmmakers. Over the last few years HanWay has dramatically expanded upon this aim, and I see Dreamachine as the marriage of two rapidly-evolving companies with the same ambition: The distribution of quality cinema. Hengameh has a wonderful eye for talent with an unrivalled energy and enthusiasm, and we share an abiding love for cinema.”

The group’s financing and operations will be lead in London by Peter Watson and Stephan Mallmann, and in Paris by Philippe Aigle. Watson & Aigle will expand Dreamachine’s financing role as executive producer, manage and acquire library assets and spearhead the company’s strategic plans for new media and digital distribution. Mallmann (COO) will manage the operations of the whole group. Charlotte Mickie and her team in Toronto will pursue a wide-ranging role encompassing co-production, acquisitions and sales for independent North American films.