October Films

This article is about the defunct American independent film production company. Not to be confused with the currently-trading London and New York-based television production company October Films Limited and its subsidiary, October Films Inc..
October Films
IndustryIndependent film
Founded1991; 33 years ago (1991)
FounderBingham Ray
Jeff Lipsky
Defunct1999; 25 years ago (1999)
FateSold to USA Networks and merged with Gramercy Pictures, Interscope Communications and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
SuccessorUSA Films (1999-2002)
Focus Features (2002-present)
OwnerSeagram (1997-1999)
ParentUniversal Pictures (1997-1999)
SubsidiariesRogue Pictures

October Films was a major U.S. independent film production company[1] and distributor founded in 1991 by Bingham Ray and Jeff Lipsky as a means of distributing the 1990 film Life Is Sweet.

A series of mergers and acquisitions began when Universal Pictures (then a division of the Seagram Company) bought a majority stake in October Films in 1997.[2] Universal then sold its shares to Barry Diller in 1999, who renamed the company USA Films and merged it with Interscope Communications and Gramercy Pictures.[3] Vivendi then acquired USA Films, who in 2002 acquired Good Machine and merged it with USA Films, forming Focus Features.

  1. ^ "Are the U.S.A.'s Independent Films a Distinct National Cinema?". TheFilmJournal.com. Retrieved 2013-08-12.
  2. ^ Eller, Claudia (1997-05-01). "Universal Says It Will Acquire October Films". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2021-03-26.
  3. ^ "Interscope Communications". Audiovisual Identity Database. 2023-10-09. Retrieved 2023-10-09.