Paragon Entertainment has acquired the entire library of u.k.-based HandMade Films, rights to the film company’s name and all distribution rights to its 23-title feature-film catalogue. The us$8.5 million purchase means a shift for Paragon into producing European-based features.

HandMade’s first film was Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life and the company went on to produce such prestigious titles as Mona Lisa and Withnail and I.

Sales and distribution will be controlled by Paragon International under president Isme Bennie. HandMade director of business affairs, Gareth Jones, will stay with the company under Paragon. PC