Independent films deserve better.
A Fixed-cost theatrical release platform for independent feature films - providing clarity, speed and commercial control
Transparent distribution. Fairer deals. Real results.
The 
Difference
- Capped P&A spend – fixed upfront, max £20,000, not recouped before splits.
- Clear exhibitor splits – negotiated site-by-site (50/50, 60/40).
- Transparent reporting – no hidden deductions, no surprises.
- Optional packaging services – box office projections + strategy at development stage.
Our Mission
To create a fair, transparent space where filmmakers, cinemas, and audiences thrive together.
Rewriting the rules of distribution.
Proof of Concept
19-site, 100+ screenings nationwide at Phoenix Leicester, Torch Theatre (Pembrokeshire), Vue (8 sites), Rich Mix, Odeon (4 sites), Lumiere Romford, Genesis Cinema, Hyde Park Picturehouse, Peckhamplex.
- First ever Nollywood movie to same day release in UK & Nigeria
- First ever Nigerian indigenous movie to premiere at the Cannes Film Market
- Exclusive to 14 VUE sites nationwide
- Enabled inclusion in the 2026 OSCARS Best Picture eligible list
- National rollout to 21 sites including Curzon Camden, Odeon Greenwich, Vue West End, Phoenix East Finchley and The Unit (Stockroom Cinema), Keighley.
- Critically acclaimed in Empire Magazine, The Guardian, Kermode & Mayo.
- Released across multiple UK sites
- Fully verified reporting by Comscore
- Producer received clear, detailed revenue breakdowns
The Model (Producer-led P&A upfront, capped at £20k)
- Producer pays P&A upfront (minimum £20,000).
- Because this is already covered and capped, there is no recoupment taken out of box office receipts (i.e. the traditional model).
- When box office money comes in:
- The exhibitor split happens as usual (e.g. cinema 50%, distributor 50%).
- The distributor’s share is then split between producer and distributor according to the agreed revenue split (e.g. 62.5% / 37.5%).
- Producers start earning immediately from day 1 of revenue flow, instead of waiting for P&A recovery.
Considerations / Risks
- Producers must have liquidity upfront to cover P&A.
- If the film underperforms at the box office, the producer eats that £20k loss directly.
Historical example 1: Using the
Model Babymother (1998) grossed £62,928 in UK cinemas.
- Cinemas/Exhibitors keep 50% = £31,464.
- Distributor’s share = £31,464.
- Split of Distributor’s share = 62.5% producer (Channel 4) / 37.5% (BUFF Studios).
Producer gets £19,665 (after theatrical run ends and all box office reports are declared. Producer submits invoice and revenue is paid within 45 calendar days).
BUFF gets £11,799.
Producer has already spent £20,000 on P&A, so their net return = £335 loss after P&A.
In a traditional model, that £20k (traditionally uncapped) would first be clawed back by the distributor, delaying producer returns. Some distributors take a flat distribution fee (usually 25-35%) on top of recouping the P&A BEFORE the producer receives any money. For this example, Channel 4 was the actual producer and distributor (the traditional studio model).
In the BUFF model, the producer receives £19,665 once the theatrical run ends; all box office reports are received by BUFF; BUFF delivers a report to the producer and asks for the producer to raise an invoice for £19,665; money is settled within 45 calendar days.
Historical example 2: Using the
Model Half of a Yellow Sun (2014) grossed £151,784 in UK cinemas.
- Cinemas/Exhibitors keep 50% = £75,892.
- Distributor’s share = £75,892.
- Split of Distributor’s share = 62.5% producer (Soda Films) / 37.5% (BUFF Studios).
Producer gets £47,432.50 (after theatrical run ends and all box office reports are declared. Producer submits invoice and revenue is paid within 45 calendar days).
BUFF gets £28,459.50.
Producer has already spent £20,000 on P&A, so their net return = £27,432.50 profit after P&A.
In a traditional model, that £20k (traditionally uncapped) would first be clawed back by the distributor, delaying producer returns. Some distributors take a flat distribution fee (usually 25-35%) on top of recouping the P&A BEFORE the producer receives any money.
In the BUFF model, the producer receives £47,432.50 once the theatrical run ends; all box office reports are received by BUFF; BUFF delivers a report to the producer and asks for the producer to raise an invoice for £47,432.50; money is settled within 45 calendar days.
Transparent distribution. Fairer deals. Real results.
BUFF Studios UK Release Pathways
BUFF Studios offers flexible, filmmaker-first packages designed to maximize visibility, audience engagement, and industry recognition.
Our packages are designed not only to secure theatrical exposure, but to position films for commercial traction, audience validation, and long-term distribution opportunities.
In contrast to traditional distribution models that rely on upfront guarantees, BUFF Studios focuses on sustained value creation, enabling filmmakers to participate directly in the performance of their work while retaining transparency and long-term upside.
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Indie & Curated Screenings: 4-9 screens nationwide (£6,000)
Available for all features, whether selected for the 2026 British Urban Film Festival or not, this tier provides:
- Access to independent cinemas and curated venues
- Targeted audience engagement and insight
- Strategic exposure to build momentum and industry exposure
- Producer’s net revenue split will be paid out at 62.5% after exhibitor splits.
Screenings typically run up to 7 days
Optional Cannes Market Screening
Cannes market screening opportunities are curated independently and subject to title suitability, scheduling, venue availability and campaign timing.
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Expanded Multi-Site Campaigns: 10+ screens nationwide (£20,000 / £10,000 for selected BUFF 2026 features)
Designed for filmmakers seeking to position their work at scale, this tier delivers:
- Distribution across multiple locations, including both independent and larger-scale venues
- Broader audience reach and enhanced industry visibility across key exhibition environments
- Discounted pricing for festival-featured films (£10,000)
Producer’s net revenue split will be paid out at 70% after exhibitor splits. Multi-day runs at most locations for maximum visibility
Optional Cannes Market Screening
Cannes market screening opportunities are curated independently and subject to title suitability, scheduling, venue availability and campaign timing.
Premium participation for larger campaigns – more screens, higher share, greater impact.
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Executive Producer (EP) Credit – Optional Discount
The Executive Producer credit offers more than recognition – it aligns your project with BUFF Studios’ leadership, enhancing credibility, visibility, and long-term industry positioning:
- BUFF Studios logo on trailers and final cut
- Executive producer credits of Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe & Clare Anyiam-Osigwe in final cut
- Discounted pricing: £2,500 off for all packages.
- If not selected, package price remains at £20,000
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Red Carpet & Press Screening – Optional Upgrade
Elevate your launch with a premium premiere experience. Includes:
- VIP red carpet staging and photography
- Press and media invitations
- Event staffing and technical support
- Enhanced audience and industry visibility
- Fee: £5,000-£10,000 depending on scale and location
- Available as an optional add-on for all tiers
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Why Choose BUFF Studios
- High revenue participation: 62.5-70% net after exhibitor splits
- Verified performance data: track audience and revenue metrics
- Festival and multi-site exposure: curated venues + broader campaigns
- Strategic credibility: EP credit and BUFF Studios alignment
- Long-term growth: visibility and commercial momentum beyond one release
BUFF Studios continues to put filmmakers first, combining exposure, economics, and long-term opportunity – without compromising transparency or future upside.
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Revenue Participation FAQ
Q: Why doesn’t BUFF Studios offer Minimum Guarantees (MGs)?
A: Our model prioritises transparent, scalable value. Rather than a small upfront cheque, filmmakers receive a direct share of net revenue after exhibitor splits, paired with verified audience performance data. Participation grows with your film’s success – more sustainable, more meaningful, more control.
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Next Step
Limited number of projects available. Contact BUFF Studios to secure your package and participation.