Launched in the early 1990s by Dutch music giant PolyGram, UK-based PolyGram Filmed Entertainment (PFE) was an ambitious $200m project to create a European film corporation to rival Hollywood. In 1999
the plan was derailed when it was sold by its parent company, Philips, to
Seagrams, the North American drinks conglomerate and owner of Universal. PFE invested heavily in British productions, rejuvenating the industry with such hits as Four Weddings and a Funeral (UK/US, d. Mike Newell, 1994), Bean (d. Mel Smith, 1997) and Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (d. Guy Ritchie, 1998).
Stephen Guy, Encyclopedia of British Film
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