Network Distributing has confirmed that Tim Beddows, Managing Director, has died aged 59.
Founded by avid collector Beddows in 1997 with its first ever release – a VHS collection of public information films, Charley Says – Network has grown to become an independent UK publishing, distribution, production and entertainment group. Fanderson members will probably be most familiar with the releases of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s productions, and the club provided materials for some of these early releases, including their print of the only known surviving episode of The Adventures Of Twizzle for inclusion in Network’s Space Patrol DVD set.
The company is known for its work restoration work on releases including Gerry and Sylvia’s Supercar, Fireball XL5, Stingray, Captain Scarlet And The Mysterons, Joe 90, UFO and Space:1999 which have all benefitted from Network’s remastering for Blu-ray Disc.
In 2021, Network acquired a number of libraries, including Rapido TV, the Danziger film and TV catalogue, and the Hammer Films company. A new company, Hammer Studios, was established to manage Hammer’s interests across its library of content.
Jonathan Lack, Director at Network, said: “For the past four years, I’ve had the honour of running the company alongside Tim, as we positioned Network as the strong market leader it is today. We are all devastated by his passing but the whole Network team understood Tim’s dreams for the future of the business and we are committed to delivering that dream, and building upon his legacy for our stakeholders and customers.”
Steve Rogers, Head of Product Development and Research at Network, added: “His legacy is huge and this work will continue. Always forward-thinking, Tim had started to plan for the next five to ten years, so he will remain a very real presence at Network in both its outlook and content output. Together we will take the company forward with his vision, and he’ll be with us on the continuing journey.”