Magus Films will expand into U.K. distribution, with Matthew Hopes Empire of Lies set to be the companys first theatrical and digital release.

Founded by film marketing and distribution consultant Jonathan Sadler, Magus Films will oversee the films U.K. release strategy, having also got international sales agent Exit 44 Entertainment on board, which will represent Empire of Lies worldwide.

Directed by Hope (The Veteran, All the Devils Men), Empire of Lies stars Joseph Millson (Casino Royale, The Last Kingdom) as David Dave Harris, a reclusive man living on the fringes of society who agrees to an interview about the unresolved murder of his daughter. As the interrogation unfolds, Daves belief that he was framed by the State begins to unravel, blurring the line between truth, obsession and self-deception. The movie is scheduled for U.K. release from Mar. 21.

Sadler, who has worked across film marketing, distribution and home entertainment since the late 1990s, told THR about moving into the distribution space: Ive always thought of myself first and foremost as a distributor, even when my career has been rooted in marketing roles. What interests me now is giving finished independent films a realistic route into the market through an experienced marketing and distribution lens shaping creative, audience positioning and partnerships in a joined-up way, rather than treating release as an afterthought.

Empire of Lies felt like the right moment to step into U.K. theatrical in a hands-on capacity, he continued.

At this stage, Magus Films is focused on working project by project with filmmakers to bring completed films to market properly, while also looking beyond U.K. theatrical into digital and international opportunities, as weve done here with Exit 44.

Sadler called Hope a confident, distinctive filmmaker, with Hope adding: Im excited to be working again with Jon and to be launching Empire of Lies as part of this new release strategy for independent films.