Lynch distributes 'Inland Empire' himself

David Lynch could release his new film via both digital and conventional methods later this year.

Oct 12 2006

In a move that could have far-reaching consequences for the industry, David Lynch has announced plans to self-distribute his latest film 'Inland Empire'.

Reinforcing his auteur status, Lynch has inked a deal with French producer Studio Canal that will see him work with well-known theatrical and home video partners to launch the three-hour opus.

'Basically we leaned a lot from our experiences with 'The Straight Story' and 'Mulholland Dr.'' producer Mary Sweeney told the Hollywood Reporter. 'There was a lot spent on P&A [press and advertising]. Those experiences, the new technologies of digital distribution available today, along with David's completely avant-garde attitude toward life makes this the right film at the right time for the right approach.'

The announcement has apparently started an indie bidding war, with the partnerships due to be announced later this week and 'Inland Empire' expected to hit screens in whatever way Lynch sees fit by the end of the year.