Première (magazine)
| Company type | Magazine |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Founder | Jean-Pierre Frimbois, Marc Esposito |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
Area served | International |
| Owner | Hachette Filipacchi |
Première is a French cinema magazine headquartered in Paris, issued by Hachette Filipacchi since its inception in 1976, with versions available across various international markets.
History
Initiated in November 1976 by Jean-Pierre Frimbois alongside Marc Esposito, Première was initially under the publication of the Lagardère Group and has been managed by Hildegarde since 2016.
US edition
The American version was introduced in the July/August issue of 1987, launched by News Corporation operating out of New York and Los Angeles, with the goal of tapping into what was termed "The Second Golden Age of the Movies." Susan Lyne served as the founding editor, supported by key personnel such as executive editor Peter Biskind. Critic Glenn Kenny joined the team in 1996 and eventually became senior editor until the U.S. edition's discontinuation.
In 1991, News Corporation transferred ownership to K-III (currently Rent Group), and in 1995, Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. repurchased the title for its French parent company. Following Lyne’s exit, Chris Connelly assumed the role of editor-in-chief early in 1996, with Nancy Griffin appointed deputy editor. Both resigned unexpectedly in May 1996 after publisher David Pecker intervened to suppress a column concerning Planet Hollywood, associated with co-owner billionaire Ronald Perelman. James B. Meigs took over as editor-in-chief starting August 1996.
Peter Herbst, who had been editor of Première, was elevated to senior vice president and group editorial director at Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2002. Before this promotion, he held the position of editor-in-chief at Family Life from 1995 to 2000.
End of U.S. edition
On March 5, 2007, Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. declared the termination of Première's print publication in the United States, shifting entirely to a digital platform. The final printed issue, dated April 2007, showcased Will Ferrell on its cover promoting Blades of Glory. The online edition continued for several years but ultimately ceased operations in 2010.
Japan
The Japanese version commenced publication in 1990 under Kadokawa Shoten.
UK
The UK edition launched in September 1992 through Emap Metro, with Barry McIlheney serving as editor until its closure in 1997. Subsequently, in February 1998, the U.S. edition circulated within the UK included a dedicated UK film section; this segment evolved into a separate supplement by October 1998 but was discontinued by January 1999.
Other European editions
The Russian edition ended its run in December 2004. As of March 2007, publications persisted in France, Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. The Portuguese version was discontinued in October 2007, while the Czech edition released its final issue in June 2009.
External links
- (French)
- Movie Magazines site – Archive covers for over 230 issues.
- Film magazines published in France
- Magazines published in Paris
- Defunct film magazines published in the United States
- Monthly magazines published in the United States
- Magazines published in New York City
- Lagardère Active
- Magazines established in 1976
- Magazines established in 1987
- Magazines disestablished in 2007
- Magazines disestablished in 2009
- Film magazines published in Russia