Cinema operator Odeon has formed a joint venture with Sky to bring more films to UK cinema and TV audiences.

The agreement will see a new company, Odeon and Sky Filmworks, set up as a UK-based film distributor to sign up films directly from filmmakers.

Filmworks initially plans to acquire up to six films for release per year, timed to exploit potential gaps in the current film calendar. They will be shown first at Odeon and other cinema outlets before moving to DVD retail and rental, while Sky will retain all UK TV rights.

Odeon CEO Rupert Gavin said: “This is great news for film fans who will now have even more choice of films at the box office, on DVD and on Sky.

“It will also enable ODEON to gain benefit for the first time from the value it creates in the theatrical window for product, by having a financial share in the subsequent windows for films.”

Odeon and Sky Filmworks will be run by Tony Miller, former chief operating officer of the feature film production company co-owned by Jude Law and Ewan McGregor, Natural Nylon.