United International Pictures: Difference between revisions

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'''United International Pictures''' ('''UIP''') is a joint company of [[Paramount Pictures]] and [[Universal Pictures|Universal Studios]] to distribute some of the two studio's films theatrically outside United States (including territories), Canada and the Caribbean Basin. It also had rights to distribute films theatrically by [[DreamWorks Pictures]] (formerly owned by Viacom) and independent films. The company was formed in 1981 after [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios|MGM]] purchased [[United Artists|UA]] and merged its international distribution arm with what was then called "[[Cinema International Corporation]]", who once had a video division, [[Cinema International Corporation Video|CIC Video]]. However, UIP did not begin using a logo until the year after it formed in 1982. In Australia, CIC-Fox became UIP-Fox in 1982 and continued operations until 1986, when Rupert Murdoch reorganized and obtained the Fox Australian distribution arm from UIP. Walt Disney/Buena Vista International continued their distribution deals with UIP (Paramount) in Italy until 1991 (when they sent distribution through Columbia-Tri-Star), and Australia through CIC-Fox (20th Century Fox) until 1986 (when they switched to Village Roadshow). UIP also co-financed and distributed Denzel Washington's 1989 film, ''For Queen and Country'', with The Rank Organization. In November 2000, MGM, one of the original founders, left UIP and its theatrical distribution rights were assumed by 20th Century Fox. In 2007, the company was split up between Paramount and Universal in certain territories. In France, Mexico, Brazil, and the UK, United International Pictures was renamed to "Paramount Pictures". In Germany, Italy, and other countries, United International Pictures was renamed to "Universal Studios". Currently, this company still operates in smaller countries such as Argentina, Denmark, South Africa, and Malaysia (thanks to a 2010 reorganization). Their website is still active and can be accessed here.