International sales executive and producer Christian Mercuri today announced the formation of Capstone Group, a multi-faceted financing, production and full service international sales company based in Beverly Hills that will debut at the upcoming Marche du Film.

Funded through private equity, in partnership with Jeanette Zhou of Jaguar Entertainment, Capstone Group offers filmmakers access to development funding, production funding as well as international distribution. The company anticipates to handle 4-5 big budget, commercial, theatrical films per year.

In addition to their own productions, the company has entered into a three-year deal with Red Granite Pictures handling the international sales for the award-winning production company.

Danny Dimbort, longtime partner and colleague of Mercuri, will serve as a sales consultant for Capstone Group.

Mercuri brings his distinctive level of experience and expertise to provide filmmakers with an expanded range of services to produce and distribute their titles. 

On making the announcement Mercuri said, “In today’s world you have to be more than just a sales agent to be in a position to bring the very best theatrical titles to the buyers. Capstone Group is a powerful new global entity that not only provides fully supported international distribution but also financing at all levels allowing us to partner with top filmmakers from the very beginning of a film. Our new company is perfectly positioned for current market conditions and I am thrilled to be championing this exciting venture working with creative and skilled producers like Red Granite.” Mercuri continued, “Beyond our current activities, our immediate goal is to finalize a number of other key strategic producer partnerships which we will announce shortly.”

“We are thrilled to continue working seamlessly with Christian and Danny selling our films internationally through their exciting new venture,” said Joey McFarland on behalf of Red Granite. “Working with the two of them at Red Granite International the past seven years has been an amazing experience as they are truly the best in the world in handling independent theatrical films.”

Mercuri most recently served as Co-President of Red Granite International (RGI) looking after international licensing for powerhouse titles such as The Wolf of Wall Street and Dumb and Dumber To, which grossed a combined $562 million at the worldwide box office.

Christian Mercuri began his career in 2002 when he joined Millennium/Nu Image as a member of the production department. He moved into international sales working alongside Millennium/Nu Image Co-Chairman, Danny Dimbort where he was appointed President of International.