Pathé Expands English Film Production with Ben Browning

Pathé, the venerable French production and exhibition company, is embarking on a significant strategic initiative to bolster its presence in the English-language production landscape. This ambitious expansion is being spearheaded by the appointment of Ben Browning, formerly President of Motion Pictures at FilmNation, to a dual role: co-CEO of Pathé U.K. and the newly created position of President of Global Film. This move signals Pathé’s intent to substantially increase its output of British and European films and premium television series designed for a global audience.

A Strategic Move for Pathé’s Global Ambitions

Ben Browning’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for Pathé, a company with a rich history spanning almost 130 years. In his capacity as co-CEO of Pathé U.K., Browning will collaborate closely with Faith Penhale, who also holds the co-CEO title, to oversee and drive the studio’s expanded activities across both film and television. Both executives will report directly to Ardavan Safaee, Chairman of Pathé Films. This leadership structure is designed to leverage Browning’s extensive international experience and Penhale’s deep understanding of the U.K. market, fostering a cohesive strategy for content development and production. The aim is to cultivate a thriving and diverse slate, establishing Pathé as a leading European studio in the global entertainment arena.

Ben Browning’s Proven Track Record

Browning brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record in high-quality film production. As an Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning producer, he has been a driving force behind numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects. During his tenure as President of Motion Pictures at FilmNation, a role he held since 2023, and previously as President of Production and Acquisitions since 2014, Browning was instrumental in the creation of films such as the sci-fi drama “Arrival,” the romantic comedy “The Big Sick,” the Oscar-winning thriller “Promising Young Woman,” and more recently, “Conclave” and “Anora.” His involvement in these diverse projects demonstrates a keen eye for compelling storytelling and a capacity for nurturing talent, qualities that are expected to significantly benefit Pathé’s renewed focus on English-language content.

Pathé’s Legacy and Future Vision

While Pathé is renowned for its ambitious and successful French productions, including recent cinematic events like “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “The Three Musketeers,” the company also boasts a history of impactful English-language films. Notable past successes include Danny Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire,” which garnered eight Oscars, and “CODA,” which won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, in 2022. This demonstrates Pathé’s existing capability and ambition in the international market. The current push into prestige English-language production follows the recent acquisition of a 20% stake by French-Lebanese shipping billionaire Rodolphe Saadé, signaling renewed financial impetus and a clear strategic direction for global growth. With Browning and Penhale at the helm, Pathé is poised to produce and finance films and premium television series that resonate with audiences worldwide, emphasizing quality and broad appeal.

Leadership Perspectives on the Expansion

Ardavan Safaee, Chairman of Pathé Films, expressed his enthusiasm for Browning’s appointment. He stated that Ben’s extensive experience, distinguished reputation, and impeccable taste align perfectly with Pathé’s vision to establish itself as a leading European studio. Safaee also conveyed strong confidence in the formidable team formed by Browning and Penhale to achieve this ambitious goal. Ben Browning, in turn, acknowledged the trust placed in him by Jérôme Seydoux, Ardavan Safaee, and Faith Penhale. He highlighted his gratitude for the opportunity to lead Pathé’s return to global film, recognizing the company’s legendary status among cinema lovers. Faith Penhale echoed these sentiments, expressing her long-standing admiration for Browning’s taste and passion. She noted that his dedication to identifying and supporting exciting filmmakers is symbiotic with Pathé’s ethos, emphasizing the company’s independence and confidence to build for the long term. Penhale looks forward to working with Browning to usher Pathé U.K. into a new era, fostering a talent-centered environment and creating a diverse slate across both film and television.

Upcoming Productions and Continued Growth

As Pathé strengthens its English-language arm, the company continues to develop a compelling slate of international projects. Upcoming productions include “Bunker,” Florian Zeller’s next film, set to star Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem. Other notable projects include “Karma” by Guillaume Canet, featuring Marion Cotillard, and “The Unknown” by Arthur Harari, the Oscar-winning co-screenwriter of “Anatomy of a Fall,” starring Léa Seydoux. These projects underscore Pathé’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with acclaimed talent and producing high-quality cinematic content across various linguistic and cultural landscapes.

The strategic hiring of Ben Browning signifies a robust commitment from Pathé to significantly expand its footprint in English-language film and television production. By combining Browning’s proven success in international content with Pathé’s established legacy and renewed investment, the company is positioning itself to become a dominant force in producing globally appealing stories from a European base. This expansion promises an exciting future for Pathé and offers a fresh wave of compelling narratives for audiences worldwide.