British production company MARV and Warner Music Group (WMG) have partnered on a multi-year, worldwide agreement.
WMG says that the newly formed ‘MARV Music’ label will work with new and established artists to create original music for films, as well as standalone soundtrack and film-inspired album releases.
To coincide with the launch of the label, Colin Barlow – former head of Polydor Records, RCA Records UK, and Geffen UK – has joined MARV Music as President, overseeing development, production, and distribution.
MARV is best known as a film production company owned by renowned British director, Matthew Vaughn.
Vaughn’s films have garnered over $2.6 billion at the global box office, says WMG.
Some of his credits include producing and co-writing The Debt, starring Helen Mirren and Sam Worthington, directing, producing and co-writing Kick-Ass, and co-writing and directing X-Men: First Class.
WMG says its first release with MARV Music will be a joint release with Parlophone named Measure of a Man, performed by FKA twigs featuring Central Cee, and written by Ivor Novello winner Jamie Hartman, John Hill, Amanda Ghost, Dominic Lewis, Jane Goldman, and Matthew Vaughn.
The song will be released on November 19,2021, and will be featured in the 20th Century Studios’ film, The King’s Man, directed by Matthew Vaughn.
The King’s Man is a prequel to the Kingsman movies, and stars Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans, Matthew Goode, Tom Hollander, Harris Dickinson, Daniel Brühl, Djimon Hounsou, and Charles Dance.
It is slated for worldwide release on 22nd December 2021.
Another upcoming MARV film, Silent Night, will feature Michael Bublé’s newly recorded original composition, The Christmas Sweater.
Silent Night, set for release on 3rd December 2021, is directed by Camille Griffin and stars Keira Knightley and Lily-Rose Depp.
MARV films currently in post-production include Tetris, directed by Jon S. Baird and starring Taron Egerton – which MARV is producing for Apple – and action-comedy School Fight, directed by stunt director Damien Walters.
In similar news, in 2020, WMG also inked a multi-year strategic partnership with Oscar-winning movie company Imagine Entertainment to co-produce and co-finance a slate of music-centered projects.
“This partnership … gives us the platform to expand creatively.”
Matthew Vaughn
Matthew Vaughn, said: “Music is an essential part of story-telling and film; and something I have always been passionate about.
“This partnership with Max, and one of the world’s leading record companies, gives us the platform to expand creatively, as well as grow our overall media business.”
“This joint venture marks the start of an ambitious musical journey with Warner Music Group.”
Zygi Kamasa, MARV
Zygi Kamasa, CEO of MARV, said: “This joint venture marks the start of an ambitious musical journey with Warner Music Group and we welcome an experienced music executive like Colin to the MARV family.
“Alongside our scaled-up production activity launching multiple franchise films, it signals our ambition to work with the best artists to create world-leading music for film and music fans to enjoy for years to come.”
“This partnership is a dynamic way for our artists to collaborate with other original storytellers.”
Max Lousada, CEO, Recorded Music, Warner Music Group, added: “Together, music and film create powerful cultural moments, with songs playing a huge role in propelling a narrative and amplifying its emotional impact.
“This partnership is a dynamic way for our artists to collaborate with other original storytellers, expand their creative universes, and reach massive new audiences.
“Matthew is a game-changing filmmaker and imaginative entrepreneur and we’re happy to be joining forces with him, Zygi, Colin, and the team.”Music Business Worldwide
