Marcus Markou Launches ‘Cinema for a Pound’
In a bold move, writer/director Marcus Markou is launching a new initiative, ‘Cinema for a Pound’, to celebrate the release of his latest feature film ‘THE WIFE AND HER HOUSE HUSBAND’.
Having already set the gold standard for self-distribution with his debut feature ‘PAPADOPOULOS AND SONS’ ten years ago – achieving the second highest screen average in its opening weekend before going on to be bought by Netflix, the BBC and ARTE, ‘Cinema for a Pound’ is set to turn the exhibition industry on its head once more as all tickets will cost just £1. Markou will also personally visit every participating cinema and give a special introduction prior to each screening.
The film will be released in UK cinemas from 10th March with the film premiering for a three-week run at The Prince Charles Cinema in central London before breaking out across the UK in key cities and regions through April.
Winner of Best Feature at the recent British Urban Film Festival ‘THE WIFE AND HER HOUSE HUSBAND’ is a moving and intimate story of a married couple (Laura Bayston and Laurence Spellman) on the verge of their divorce, when a letter from their past appears to draw them reluctantly back together.
Markou is also releasing the feature as a double bill with his award-winning short film ‘TWO STRANGERS WHO MEET FIVE TIMES’, a viral hit on YouTube achieving over three million views. Once again starring Spellman, it is the story of two strangers who meet at five key moments in their lives as their initial conflict gives way to compassion, understanding and eventual friendship.
Commented Marcus Markou:
The struggle for independent films has never been more challenging post covid. I’m launching ‘Cinema for a Pound’ to release THE WIFE AND HER HOUSE HUSBAND – which was made on a microbudget during the pandemic – but also to raise the profile of indie films at cinemas and how indie filmmakers can build their own audiences. There is a belief that indie films and microbudget films do not stand much of a chance at the cinema. I understand this. However, only indie filmmakers can challenge that assumption. I am already having conversations with other filmmakers who are looking to copy the model. It does rely on ‘indie-friendly’ cinemas willing to take the risk on an idea like this and audiences passionate about independent film. But I am finding, as I did with Papadopoulos and Sons, that if you get the word out, people do respond – especially during these cash strapped times.”
