The partners behind the summer’s surprise hit 28 DAYS LATER, Fox Searchlight Pictures and DNA Films have announced a five-year, $50 million joint production and distribution deal, reported the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. DNA Films operates on unused U.K. lottery funds and first needed approval by the U.K. Film Council before the agreement could be signed. The new joint venture will remain with the name DNA Films and producer/exec Andrew Macdonald has been hired to head up the company. Former U.K.-based Miramax Films production exec Allon Reich will shepard the physical production and development. DNA Films co-founder and producer Duncan Kenworthy will hand over the reigns of the company to Macdonald and will serve as a non-exec director.

In 1997, DNA received $45.9 million from the Arts Council of England over the next six years, until the funding was turned over to the Film Council, which never inserted nearly as much cash. For more information visit www.dnafilms.com.