True Brit Entertainment Files for Administration Less Than Three Years After Launch

True Brit Entertainment, the U.K. theatrical distributor founded by former Lionsgate U.K. & Europe CEO Zygi Kamasa, has filed for administration — a British legal process similar to Chapter 11 bankruptcy — less than three years after its launch.

The company becomes the latest casualty of the U.K.'s extremely tough distribution market. It failed to ignite the local box office despite critically acclaimed releases including "The Death of Robin Hood," starring Hugh Jackman, which earned under $800,000.

"In extremely challenging market conditions, the company has taken the difficult decision to enter administration," Kamasa said in a statement sent to Variety. "An independent specialist has now been appointed to oversee the company and assess the options available, with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome for the company and its creditors."

What was True Brit Entertainment?

The company announced its launch in November 2023 with a focus exclusively on U.K. films for theatrical release. Its stated aims were ambitious:

• Invest in and release 4-8 titles a year
• Co-finance over $50 million worth of productions annually

The venture came with funding led by talent management and entertainment company Three Six Zero, which represents Calvin Harris, Frank Ocean and FKA Twigs, plus a minority investment from Matthew Vaughn's Marv.

Kamasa, who also served as CEO of Marv Studios Group, built True Brit as a dedicated home for British theatrical releases at a moment when independent distribution in the U.K. was already under severe pressure.

Which films did the company release?

True Brit's first release was "The Critic," starring Ian McKellen and Gemma Arterton, which it acquired out of Toronto in 2023 and released in U.K. cinemas the following year.

The Danny Dyer comedy "Marching Powder" followed and hit a high note, grossing more than $4 million in the U.K. and Ireland — the company's clearest commercial success.

Subsequent titles struggled. "Christmas Karma," Gurinder Chadha's musical comedy-drama, and the boxing drama "Giant," both of which True Brit co-produced, failed to find audiences, as did "The Death of Robin Hood."

The latest release, "Sunny Dancer," a coming-of-age comedy-drama starring Bella Ramsey, also failed to land despite an impressive promotional campaign and buzz from its world premiere in Berlin — underlining the ongoing struggles in the U.K. for independent film.

What happens to the upcoming slate?

Two high-profile titles now face an uncertain future:

• Anthony Wonke's boxing biopic "In the Shadows," due to world premiere later this month at the BFI London Film Festival
• "Victorian Psycho," the Maika Monroe-led psychological horror comedy that premiered in Cannes

It is unknown what will happen to these releases following the administration filing.

Variety's sister publication Deadline was first to report the news.

With an independent specialist now assessing the company's options, True Brit's collapse signals how steep the odds remain for independent theatrical distribution in the U.K. — even for a well-funded venture led by one of the industry's most experienced executives.