Screen International: A History of Film Trade Journalism
The evolution of Screen International mirrors the evolution of the motion picture industry itself. From the early days of magic lanterns to the modern era of global cinema, this publication has served as a vital record of the trade, providing news, analysis, and networking for industry professionals for over a century.
The Early Era: From Lanterns to Kinematograph
The roots of the publication date back to 1889 with the launch of Optical Magic Lantern and Photographic Enlarger. During this period, the focus was on the precursors to cinema—optical devices that projected images. As the medium shifted toward moving pictures at the turn of the 20th century, the publication evolved, changing its name to Cinematographic Journal and later, in 1907, to Kinematograph and Lantern Weekly.
First published by E. T. Heron—a printing entrepreneur, industrialist, and film enthusiast—the weekly publication became a cornerstone for the industry. It provided essential trade news, advertisements, and exhibition advice. Furthermore, it served as the primary reporting body for national and regional meetings of trade organizations, including the Kinema Renters' Society and the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
The Transition to Kinematograph Weekly
In 1919, the publication was renamed Kinematograph Weekly, a title that would define film trade reporting for decades. By 1959, the name was further streamlined to Kine Weekly. However, the landscape of film journalism shifted in September 1971 when the title was sold to British and American Film Holdings Ltd.
Following the acquisition, the publication merged with a rival trade paper called Today's Cinema. This merger eventually led to a rebranding of the publication as CinemaTV Today.
The Birth of Screen International
By the mid-1970s, CinemaTV Today was struggling. In 1975, Peter King purchased the publication from Sir John Woolf for £50,000 (which is approximately £388,000 when adjusted for 2025 inflation). King relaunched the magazine as Screen International, with the inaugural issue hitting stands on September 6, 1975.
The publication underwent several changes in ownership over the following decades. Peter King sold the magazine to the International Thomson Organization in 1989, and it was subsequently acquired by EMAP in 1993. In 2015, the magazine was sold again as part of a management buyout of the Media Business Insight division by Ascential.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Industry Influence and Legacy
Beyond its reporting, Screen International has acted as a springboard for influential industry figures. Many of its journalists have transitioned into high-level production roles. A notable example is Colin Vaines, who managed production for major companies such as GK Films and Miramax, producing numerous award-winning projects for both television and film.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1889 (originally as Optical Magic Lantern and Photographic Enlarger).
- Key Rebrands: Kinematograph Weekly (1919), CinemaTV Today (post-1971), and Screen International (1975).
- Founding Figure: E. T. Heron, a pioneering industrialist and film enthusiast.
- Pivotal Acquisition: Peter King purchased the predecessor for £50,000 in 1975.
- Launch Date: The first issue of Screen International was published on September 6, 1975.
Publication Timeline Summary
| Year/Period | Publication Name | Key Event/Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 1889 | Optical Magic Lantern and Photographic Enlarger | Initial launch |
| 1907 | Kinematograph and Lantern Weekly | Renamed; published by E. T. Heron |
| 1919 | Kinematograph Weekly | Renamed (later Kine Weekly in 1959) |
| 1971 | CinemaTV Today | Merged with Today's Cinema |
| 1975 | Screen International | Relaunched by Peter King |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Screen International first published?
The first issue of Screen International was published on September 6, 1975, following its purchase and relaunch by Peter King.
Who was the original publisher of the publication's early iterations?
The early versions, including Kinematograph and Lantern Weekly, were first published by E. T. Heron, an industrialist and printing entrepreneur.
What was the purchase price of the magazine in 1975?
Peter King purchased the struggling CinemaTV Today from Sir John Woolf for £50,000, which is equivalent to roughly £388,000 in 2025.
Which companies have owned Screen International since 1989?
Since 1989, the magazine has been owned by the International Thomson Organization, EMAP, and was later part of Ascential before a management buyout of the Media Business Insight division in 2015.
Did Screen International influence professional careers in film?
Yes, several journalists from the publication became major industry figures, such as Colin Vaines, who went on to produce award-winning content for Miramax and GK Films.