Created as a distribution arm for Pathé First Division also had its own production unit, using rental stages at General Service Studio.

It only produced a handful of films between 1932 and 1935, including "Sunset Range" starring Hoot Gibson and "Hong Kong Nights" starring Tom Keene.

First Division's distribution arm, which released films outside of the States' Rights market because of Pathé's chain of exchanges, was the distributor for the Sol Lesser serials, including "Tarzan the Fearless" and "The Return of Chandu" (starring Bela Lugosi).

It also distributed films for Stage and Screen Productions, Monogram, Chesterfield, and others.

However, in 1935 with the formation of Republic Pictures, many of the firms it distributed films for were absorbed by the new studio, so First Division saw a huge decline in product for them to distribute.

In 1936, Grand National Pictures was created, probably with financial backing from Pathé, and took control of the First Division exchanges and product.