Trans World Entertainment (film company)
| Company type | Independent company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production and distribution |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Moshe Diamant, Eduard Sarlui |
| Fate | Foreclosure and absorption by Epic Productions |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Low- to mid-budget movies primarily for home-video sector |
Trans World Entertainment was a U.S.-based independent company specializing in the production and distribution of low- to mid-budget movies primarily aimed at the home-video sector. During the early 1990s, the company became entangled in the Credit Lyonnais banking controversy, which resulted in foreclosure and the absorption of its assets by Epic Productions. Since 1998, the ownership of its film catalog has belonged to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Establishment and initial phase (1983–1986)
Trans World was established in 1983 by business partners Moshe Diamant and Eduard Sarlui, initially operating as a video distribution firm. Sarlui brought experience from Continental Motion Pictures, known for producing genre films such as Ator, the Fighting Eagle and Warrior of the Lost World.
In 1984, TWE secured a video distribution agreement covering 200 titles with syndication companies including Viacom Enterprises and ZIV International. This expansion coincided with their entry into theatrical film production, committing to produce three fully financed films annually, some of which were featured at the Cannes Film Festival. The theatrical division was overseen by William Dunn.
The following year, Diamant partnered with director William Malone to create Creature, a science fiction horror film designed for the home-video market. TWE also produced Pray for Death, starring Sho Kosugi. Although both films received lukewarm critical reception, they achieved commercial success in home entertainment.
In 1985, Trans World merged with Cardinal Entertainment to form Cardinal/TWE, with Cardinal handling theatrical distribution. Additionally, TWE collaborated with Sarlui’s Continental Motion Pictures for global distribution and access to TWE’s expanding film library.
By 1986, Media Home Entertainment obtained rights to distribute TWE’s theatrical releases on videocassette. Eduard Sarlui assumed the roles of CEO and chairman while Paul Mason was appointed President of Production, overseeing increased film output. TWE acquired Italian genre films from directors like Joe D'Amato, which were retitled and dubbed for direct-to-video release. On September 10, 1986, actor David Keith committed to directing two approved projects under TWE's banner.
Creation of Epic Productions and takeover of Empire International Pictures (1986–1989)
Throughout the mid-to-late 1980s, Trans World utilized a pre-sales strategy, producing modestly successful direct-to-video titles such as Moon in Scorpio and Interzone, while distributing films including Killer Klowns from Outer Space. In 1987, they entered a multi-film agreement with Italian producer Ovidio G. Assonitis, starting with The Curse (1987), a sci-fi horror starring Wil Wheaton, which earned nearly $2 million at the box office and performed well in home video sales.
In 1986, Diamant and Sarlui launched Epic Productions, appointing Diamant as CEO and Chairman while Sarlui continued as CEO of Trans World Entertainment. Epic secured a $60 million credit facility from Credit Lyonnais Bank Nederland to finance films exclusively distributed by RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video. Assonitis’ subsequent projects were rebranded to capitalize on earlier successes, illustrating this marketing tactic.
By late 1986, TWE planned several high-budget productions and enlisted writers like Steven E. de Souza to strengthen creative leadership. Early in 1987, TWE initiated its domestic distribution arm with a $5 million royalty investment for its first four releases. Producer Dino Constantine Conte signed a three-picture contract that included films featuring star Beau Bridges. However, in April 1987, TWE president Sunil Shah left to establish Imperial Entertainment.
In August 1987, TWE extended a six-picture home video rights deal with Media Home Entertainment; all rights reverted back to TWE by 1989.
Amid growing debt leading to foreclosure by Crédit Lyonnais, Epic acquired Charles Band's Empire International Pictures in May 1988 through an expanded $200 million credit line. This acquisition postponed releases of ongoing projects such as Robot Jox and Arena. The merger facilitated strategic rebranding of sequels—for instance, Goblins was retitled Troll 2 and Panga became Curse III: Blood Sacrifice—enhancing marketability.
In September 1988, Diamant and Sarlui co-founded Cinema Corp. of America alongside producer Elliott Kastner, supported by a $65 million Crédit Lyonnais fund aimed at producing larger-scale theatrical features. Their inaugural project, Jericho, initially attached to Marlon Brando, encountered difficulties after Brando withdrew due to insurance complications.
Meanwhile, Trans World Entertainment and Epic continued releasing films such as Ghosts Can't Do It, starring Bo Derek, Anthony Quinn, and Donald Trump, along with Honeymoon Academy, featuring Robert Hays and Kim Cattrall.
Vision International agreement and withdrawal from film production (1990–1991)
In 1990, Paul Mason, the President of Production, departed as the company was releasing around five films each year, including titles such as Ski Patrol and Italian imports like Top Model 2. Following Crédit Lyonnais's acquisition, restructuring efforts sparked conflicts among Diamant, Sarlui, and the bank, which was also involved in financing problematic takeovers like those of The Cannon Group Inc. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer under Giancarlo Parretti. The bank’s reorganization concealed a substantial amount of non-performing debt.
At the same time, Trans World Entertainment entered into a distribution partnership with Mark Damon's Vision P.D.G. International, effectively terminating Trans World's role as a distributor. Moshe Diamant assumed the position of co-chairman at Vision, while Sarlui held a significant shareholding. The final film released under the Trans World banner was Eyes of an Angel. Afterward, the company primarily operated as a holding entity for its collection of 150 films. Subsequently, Vision International and Epic Productions collaborated with Michael Douglas's Stone Group Pictures on a co-production arrangement.
Crédit Lyonnais ownership (1992–1996)
Following Crédit Lyonnais’s foreclosure on Parretti and MGM in 1991 amid scrutiny of the bank’s activities, it also assumed control over Epic Productions and Trans World Entertainment in 1992, removing Diamant and Sarlui from leadership. Shortly thereafter, Vision International terminated its contracts with both Epic and Trans World. Diamant and Sarlui filed a $100 million lawsuit against Crédit Lyonnais citing breach of contract; in response, the bank counterclaimed alleging financial fraud and theft. They additionally initiated legal action against their former lawyer for allegedly assisting Crédit Lyonnais in hiding problematic loans.
Vision International cut ties with Crédit Lyonnais and secured backing from Mercantile National and Kredietbank Luxembourg. Nevertheless, ongoing legal disputes hindered the company’s production activities, leading founder Mark Damon to depart in 1993. A court injunction prevented Crédit Lyonnais from foreclosing on Trans World during the litigation. By 1994, Diamant joined Damon’s new enterprise, Mark Damon Productions, whereas Sarlui remained a non-active shareholder. After reaching a settlement, Crédit Lyonnais compensated both parties, and Trans World was merged into Epic under the bank’s management.
Acquisition by PolyGram Filmed Entertainment and subsequent MGM ownership (1997–1998)
After consolidating The Cannon Group, Cannon Pictures, and Pathé Communications into MGM and selling it back to Kirk Kerkorian for $1.3 billion—resulting in a loss—Crédit Lyonnais similarly bundled assets from Epic Productions, Trans World Entertainment, Empire International, Vision International, and other film libraries into what became known as the "Epic Film Collection." This collection included rights from Castle Rock Entertainment (limited to home video), Nelson Entertainment, Sherwood and Gladden Entertainment, Hemdale Film Corporation, Dino De Laurentiis Communications, Fries Entertainment, Embassy Pictures (home video only), 21st Century Film Corporation, among others. These were organized into holding companies named after Greek letters by the bank to attract bids. Competitors included MGM, The Walt Disney Company, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, and Live Entertainment, with PolyGram ultimately securing the purchase at $225 million.
In 1998, following its acquisition by Seagram and integration into Universal Pictures in 1999, PolyGram sold this film library to MGM for $235 million. MGM placed these assets under Orion Pictures to bypass an existing home video distribution agreement with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, which led to an early termination of that contract. Subsequently, MGM distributed these films internationally under its own label through 20th Century Home Entertainment.
In November 2002, Crédit Lyonnais auctioned off its remaining 10% stake to BNP Paribas, but in 2003 Crédit Agricole launched a successful takeover bid acquiring full ownership. In 2004, Crédit Agricole merged its investment banking division Banque Indosuez with Crédit Lyonnais's operations rebranding as Calyon—later renamed Crédit Agricole CIB in 2010 to phase out the Crédit Lyonnais name. That same year saw staff relocate from the historic Boulevard des Italiens headquarters to Villejuif. The retail brand transitioned from Crédit Lyonnais to LCL in 2005 as part of rebranding efforts following difficulties experienced during the 1990s; branch numbers gradually declined thereafter.
Productions
%}Theatrical distribution
| Year | Title | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | She | Produced in partnership with Continental Motion Pictures | |
| 1985 | Creature | ||
| 1985 | Master Class | Released directly to video, distributed by U.S.A. Home Video. | |
| 1985 | Pray for Death | ||
| 1986 | Ninja Theater Hosted by Sho Kosugi – "Katana" | Direct-to-video release. Refer to Fists of Dragons and Diamond Ninja Force | |
| 1986 | Ninja Theater Hosted by Sho Kosugi – "Bo" | Direct-to-video format. See also Shaolin Temple Strikes Back and Ninja Champion | |
| 1986 | Ninja Theater Hosted by Sho Kosugi – "Ninja Fan" | Direct-to-video. Linked titles: The Little Heroes of Shaolin Temple | |
| 1986 | Ninja Theater Hosted by Sho Kosugi – "Tekagi" | Released on video. Related films include Young Hero and Golden Ninja Warrior | |
| 1986 | Ninja Theater Hosted by Sho Kosugi – "Shikomizue" | Direct-to-video. Associated with Shaolin Drunk Fighter and Venus the Ninja | |
| 1986 | Ninja Theater Hosted by Sho Kosugi – "Yari" | Video release only. See also The Great Massacre and The Dragon, The Odds | |
| 1986 | Ninja Theater Hosted by Sho Kosugi – "Tonfa" | Direct-to-video. Related titles include Ninja Terminator (PAL) and Wolfen Ninja | |
| 1986 | Ninja Theater Hosted by Sho Kosugi – "Shobo" | Released directly to video. Refer to Flash Challenger, Ninja Terminator, and Challenge the Ninja | |
| 1986 | Ninja Theater Hosted by Sho Kosugi – "Self Defense" | Direct-to-video release. See also Eagle Claws Champion | |
| 1986 | Ninja Theater Hosted by Sho Kosugi – "Jitte" | Video format release. Linked to Phoenix the Ninja | |
| 1986 | Ninja Theater Hosted by Sho Kosugi – "Kama" | Direct-to-video. Associated with Ninja, The Protector | |
| 1986 | Ninja Theater Hosted by Sho Kosugi – "Nunchaku" | Released on video. See also Kingfisher the Killer | |
| 1986 | Ninja Theater Hosted by Sho Kosugi – "Manrki-gusari" | Direct-to-video release. Related to Champ Against Champ | |
| 1986 | Karatix | Released directly to video. | |
| 1987 | Rage of Honor | ||
| 1987 | Programmed to Kill | ||
| 1987 | Commando Squad | ||
| 1987 | Catch the Heat | ||
| 1987 | Moon in Scorpio | ||
| 1987 | Survival Game | ||
| 1987 | The Curse | ||
| 1987 | The Wild Pair | ||
| 1988 | Deep Space | ||
| 1988 | The Further Adventures of Tennessee Buck | ||
| 1988 | Red Nights | ||
| 1988 | Killer Klowns from Outer Space | ||
| 1988 | Seven Hours to Judgment | ||
| 1988 | Kansas | ||
| 1988 | Full Moon in Blue Water | ||
| 1989 | Sonny Boy | ||
| 1989 | I, Madman | ||
| 1989 | Teen Witch | ||
| 1989 | Curse II: The Bite | ||
| 1989 | Interzone | ||
| 1989 | Out on Bail | ||
| 1989 | Night Game | ||
| 1989 | Honeymoon Academy |
| Year | Title | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Screen Test | Released outside the United States |
| 1987 | Iron Warrior | Produced by Continental Motion Pictures |
| 1988 | Lone Runner | |
| 1989 | Arena | |
| 1989 | Riding the Edge | |
| 1992 | Auntie Lee's Meat Pies |
Home video releases
| Year | Title | Catalog Number | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | The Falcon | VHS edition of the 1981 film | |
| 1984 | Keeping On | ||
| 1984 | Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E. | 10019 | |
| 1984 | The Keeper | 10031 | VHS edition of the 1976 film |
| 1984 | Ghost Dance | 10032 | |
| 1984 | Coming Out Alive | 10042 | VHS edition of the 1980 TV movie |
| 1984 | The Accident | 10048 | |
| 1984 | The Man Inside | 10054 | VHS edition of the 1977 TV movie |
| 1984 | The Intruder Within | 10058 | VHS edition of the 1981 TV movie |
| November 1984 | Alligator Shoes | 10063 | VHS edition of the 1981 film |
| 1984 | War Brides | 10066 | |
| 1984 | The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia | 10073 | VHS edition of the 1981 film |
| 1984 | Slipstream | 10074 | VHS edition of the 1973 film |
| 1984 | One Night Stand | 10075 | VHS edition of the 1978 TV movie |
| 1984 | The Strangeness | 13006 | |
| 1984–85 | Animated series including The Houndcats Volumes I–V and The Barkleys Volumes I–VII | Various | VHS editions of early '70s animated television series |
| 1984–86 | Selection of martial arts and action films such as Chinese Connection II, Duel of the Seven Tigers, plus several "Ninja Theater Hosted by Sho Kosugi" titles | Various | Key offerings targeting specialized martial arts and action audiences, enhancing home video market presence |
| Mid-1980s | Assortment of horror, thriller, and exploitation films including titles like Bloodbeat, Bloody Moon, and Maniac Cop | Various | Broad genre catalog catering to diverse home entertainment consumers |
| Late 1980s | Ongoing catalog growth featuring films such as Ninja Showdown, Moon in Scorpio, along with TV series releases like The Devlin Connection'', sustaining consistent content delivery for revenue expansion |
Non-US home video releases
| Year | Title | Catalog Number | Remarks | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | The Prey | TWE402 | VHS release in the United Kingdom | |
| 1984 | For the Love of It | 10001 | Australian VHS and BETA editions of a 1980 TV movie | |
| 1984 | Kenny Rogers as The Gambler | 10002 | Australian VHS and BETA editions of a 1980 TV movie | |
| 1984 | The Two Worlds of Jennie Logan | 10003 | Australian VHS and BETA editions of a 1979 TV movie | |
| 1984 | The Kid with the Broken Halo | 10004 | Australian VHS and BETA editions of a 1982 TV movie | |
| 1984 | Bitter Harvest | 10005 | Australian VHS and BETA editions of a 1981 feature film | |
| 1984 | Hanging on a Star | 10007 | Australian VHS and BETA editions of a film from 1978 | |
| 1984 | She's Dressed to Kill | 10008 | Australian VHS and BETA editions of a TV movie from 1979 | |
| 1984 | Cocaine: One Man's Poison | 10012 | Australian VHS and BETA editions of a TV movie from 1983 | |
| 1984 | Terrytoons: Mighty Mouse – Vol.1 | 10500 | Australian VHS and BETA editions | |
| 1984 | Svengali | 10010 | Spanish BETA edition of a TV movie from 1983 | |
| 1984 | Despojos de Guerra (Prisoners) | 10065 | Spanish BETA edition of a feature from1975 | |
| 1985 | Panic in Echo Park | 3007 | Dutch VHS release of a TV movie from1977 |
Filmography
| Year | Title | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Ghosts Can't Do It | Collaboration between Epic Productions and Sarlui/Diamant |
| 1989 | The Kill Reflex | Produced by Epic Productions alongside Po' Boy Productions |
| 1989 | Beyond the Door III | |
| 1990 | Why Me? | Joint production of Epic Productions and Sarlui/Diamant |
| 1990 | Ski Patrol | A project by Epic Productions with Sarlui/Diamant |
| 1990 | Courage Mountain | Produced in partnership with Stone Group Pictures and Epic Productions |
| 1990 | Bad Influence | A collaboration between Epic Productions and Sarlui/Diamant |
| 1990 | Down the Drain | |
| 1990 | Waiting for the Light | Produced by Epic Productions and Sarlui/Diamant |
| 1990 | Vietnam Texas | |
| 1990 | Men at Work | Epic Productions working with Sarlui/Diamant |
| 1990 | The Ambulance | Co-produced by Epic Productions and Sarlui/Diamant |
| 1990 | Blood Games | |
| 1991 | Mom | |
| 1991 | Leather Jackets | Collaboration between Epic Productions and Sarlui/Diamant |
| 1993 | Joshua Tree | Produced jointly with Vision International |
| 1993 | Carlito's Way | Co-production involving Universal Pictures |
Home Video Distribution
| Year | Title | Catalog Number | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Cool Blue | 59013 | |
| 1990 | Down the Drain | 59053 | Production by Epic Productions |
| 1990 | Triumph of the Spirit | 59063 | |
| 1990 | Wild Zone | 59123 | |
| 1990 | Quest for the Mighty Sword | 59253 | |
| 1990 | Blood Games | 59143 | Produced by Epic Productions |
| 1990 | Courage Mountain | 59163 | An Epic Productions release |
| 1989 | Beyond the Door III | 59183 | Released by Epic Productions |
| 1990 | Warm Summer Rain | 59043 | |
| 1990 | Vietnam Texas | 59193 | Distributed as an Epic Productions title |
| 1990 | The Immortalizer | 59213 | |
| 1990 | Crossing the Line | 59223 | |
| 1990 | Legion of Iron | 59243 | |
| 1990 | The Final Alliance | 59273 | |
| 1990 | Robot Jox | 59363 | |
| 1990 | Men at Work | 59436 | Released under Epic Productions banner |
| 1990 | Ghosts Can't Do It | 59513 | An Epic Productions release |
| 1991 | Mom | 59153 | Distributed by Epic Productions |
| 1991 | Curse III: Blood Sacrifice | 59323 | |
| 1991 | Arena | 59353 | |
| 1992 | Spellcaster | 59693 | |
| 1992 | Troll II | 59743 | |
| 1993 | Curse IV: The Ultimate Sacrifice | 59343 | |
| 1993 | The Crawlers | 59753 |
Productions
| Year | Title | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Bat*21 | Produced by Tri-Star Pictures and Vision PDG |
| 1988 | High Spirits | Vision PDG production |
| 1989 | Wild Orchid | Produced by Vision PDG |
| 1990 | I Come in Peace | Vision PDG production |
| 1990 | The Gate II: Trespassers | Produced by Vision PDG |
| 1991 | Double Impact | Collaboration between Stone Group Pictures and Vision International |
| 1992 | Eyes of the Beholder | |
| 1991 | Inner Sanctum | Produced by Vision PDG |
| 1991 | Wild Orchid II: Two Shades of Blue | Vision PDG production |
| 1992 | Sidekicks | A joint production of Gallery Films and Vision PDG |
| 1992 | Shadow of the Wolf | |
| 1992 | Sexual Response | |
| 1993 | The Hit List | |
| 1993 | Night Eyes 3 | |
| 1994 | Possessed by the Night |
Theatrical distribution
| Year | Title | Details | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Stalingrad | Distributed outside the United States |
Home video releases
| Year | Title | Catalog Number | Details | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Clownhouse | 59103 | ||
| 1991 | Inner Sanctum | 59703 | Production by Vision PDG | |
| 1991 | Wild Orchid II: Two Shades of Blue | 59823 | Produced by Vision PDG and Saunders/King | |
| 1992 | Almost Pregnant | 59793 | ||
| 1992 | Shadow of the Wolf | 59893 | A Vision International production | |
| 1992 | Sexual Response | 51273 | Produced by Vision International | |
| 1992 | Sidekicks | 53603 | Joint production of Gallery Films and Vision PDG | |
| 1993 | Eyes of the Beholder | 59873 | A Vision International production | |
| 1993 | The Hit List | 53253 | Produced by Vision International | |
| 1994 | Save Me | 53943 | ||
| 1994 | Possessed by the Night | 79003 | Produced by Vision International |