French production and exhibition giant Pathé, which will celebrate its 130th anniversary next year, is preparing to make a major move into the English-language industry by rebooting its British production division. The Paris-based company has hired Ben Browning, FilmNation’s president of film, as co-CEO of Pathe UK, and has also named him president of global film, a newly created role.
Mr Browning will work alongside Pathé UK co-CEO Faith Penhale to drive the expansion of the studio’s activities in both English-language film and television. Both will report directly to Pathé Film Chairman Ardavan Safai.
Mr. Browning, an Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning producer, has served as President of Film Nation’s Motion Pictures Division since 2023 and was first appointed President of Production and Acquisitions in 2014. During Mr. Browning’s tenure, Film Nation produced numerous hits, including “Arrival,” “The Big Sick,” “Promising Young Woman,” “Conclave,” and “Anora.” Although he is best known for his ambitious French films such as The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers, he has also produced some critical and commercial hits in the English-language field, most notably CODA, which won three Oscars in 2022, including Best Picture, and before that, Pathé produced Slumdog Millionaire, co-starring Danny Boyle, which won eight Oscars.
Pathé’s move into premium English production comes months after it welcomed a new shareholder, French-Lebanese shipping billionaire Rodolphe Saadeh, who took a 20% stake in May.
The addition of Browning and Penhale means that Pathé will now look to produce and finance premium TV series as well as globally appealing British and European films.
“We are pleased to announce that Ben has chosen to join Pathé to spearhead the revitalization of our international film lineup,” said Safai. “His extensive experience, outstanding reputation and impeccable taste are perfectly aligned with our vision to establish Pathé as Europe’s leading studio. With Faith by his side, we are confident that we have assembled a formidable team ready to realize this ambitious goal,” Safai continued.
Meanwhile, director Browning said, “I am deeply grateful for the confidence that Jérôme Seydoux, Ardavan Safai, and Faith Penhale have placed in me to lead Pathé’s return to global cinema, a legendary company that means so much to all film lovers.”
Ms Penhale said: “I have known and respected Ben for many years and his hobbies and passions are symbiotic with those of Pathé, and he is dedicated to recognizing and supporting the talents of the most exciting filmmakers.”
“At Pathé, we are fortunate to have the independence and confidence to build for the long term. I look forward to working with Ben to lead Pathé UK into a new era as we create a thriving and diverse base across film and TV, and an exciting and supportive environment centered around talent,” Penhale continued.
Upcoming Pathé films include Florian Zeller’s next film, The Bunker, starring Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. “Ibelin,” directed by Morten Tyldum and starring Charlie Plummer and Stephen Graham. Karma, directed by Guillaume Canet and starring Marion Cotillard. and “The Unknown,” from co-screenwriter Arthur Harari, who won an Oscar for “Anatomy of the Fall,” starring Léa Seydoux.
