Rectangle, the production house behind Emmanuelle and the 2021 Venice festival winner Happening, is merging with Vincent Maraval’s renowned sales and production company.

French film companies Rectangle Productions and Goodfellas have officially completed their merger, the two companies announced on Friday. This strategic move combines Rectangle’s impressive filmography, which includes the iconic Emmanuelle and the 2021 Venice festival winner Happening, with Goodfellas’ long-standing sales and production expertise led by Vincent Maraval. The merger is expected to create a more powerful entity in the French film industry, allowing both companies to leverage their strengths in production, distribution, and international sales.

This collaboration brings together Rectangle’s strong history in high-profile productions and Goodfellas’ extensive experience in the global film market, promising exciting new opportunities in both French and international cinema. The combined entity aims to enhance its presence in the global market and continue delivering bold and innovative films.

Rectangle, the production house behind San Sebastian opener Emmanuelle and the 2021 Venice festival winner Happening, has merged with Vincent Maraval’s Goodfellas, known for handling international sales on high-profile features such as Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning The Boy and The Heron and Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis. The merger was finalized on November 4, 2024.

COURTESY: Cinema Of The World

The two companies have had a longstanding collaboration, with Goodfellas managing sales for several Rectangle productions, including Emmanuelle, Valerie Donzelli’s Cannes 2023 film Just the Two of Us, and Charlene Favier’s Oxana. This merger strengthens their combined presence in the international film market, blending Rectangle’s production expertise with Goodfellas’ strong sales and distribution network.

The merger, as stated by the companies, was “carried out in the interests of all stakeholders” and marks “an important milestone for these long-standing partners.” This strategic union aims to enhance both production and international sales capabilities, positioning the combined entity for greater success in the global film industry. The merger reflects a shared vision for growth and innovation, benefiting all parties involved, from creators to distributors.

Rectangle Productions, led by Alice Girard and Edouard Weil, has emphasized that it will retain its brand, creative independence, and ongoing projects, including attached talent. In a statement, the company affirmed its commitment to continuing the production of “ambitious films and TV series” in collaboration with its usual talents and partners. The merger with Goodfellas aims to bolster the company’s resources while allowing it to maintain its established identity and creative vision in the industry.

COURTESY: The film reality

For Goodfellas, the merger provides a significant boost to the company’s film and TV production business, expanding its portfolio and enhancing its capacity to produce high-quality content. It also opens up a fresh source of material to feed its international sales business, strengthening its position in global markets. This strategic move enables Goodfellas to tap into new opportunities while consolidating its existing strengths in both production and sales.

Rectangle was co-founded in 2003 by Edouard Weil, with Alice Girard joining as co-producer in 2012. Since its inception, the company has produced around 60 features, establishing itself as a prominent player in the film industry. With a strong track record of successful productions, Rectangle continues to build its reputation for producing ambitious and high-quality films.

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