Epix Inks Samuel Goldwyn Output Deal

Agreement To Yield 20 Theatricals In 2010-11

Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 8/6/2009 8:48:50 AM

Movie service Epix has bolstered its roster through an exclusive output agreement with Samuel Goldwyn Films.
The pact, terms of which were not disclosed, covers up to 20 films from the studio in 2010 and 2011. The films will be available on all Epix platforms, including its linear channel, subscription on demand and epixhd.com services in 2010, according to the parties.
The output deal follows last week's announcement of the first distribution contract for the service, a joint venture of Viacom's Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, with Verizon's FiOS TV. Epix is scheduled to officially bow in early October, although FiOS customers are expected to gain on-demand access to support programming in September.
Among the films Goldwyn has released or plans to release in 2009 are Brothers at War, a portrait of an American family during a turbulent time; American Violet, starring Academy Award-nominee and Emmy Award-winner Alfre Woodard and Emmy Award-winner Charles Dutton; The Merry Gentlemen, which marked Michael Keaton's feature film directorial debut; Management, a romantic comedy starring Jennifer Aniston, Steve Zahn and Woody Harrelson that premiered at the 2008 Toronto Film Festival; Cold Souls, a comedy starring Paul Giamatti that premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival; and Free Style, starring High School Musical's Corbin Blue.
The slate for 2010 includes The Yellow Handerchief, a love story produced by six-time Oscar winner Arthur Cohn that stars Academy Award- winner William Hurt, Golden Globe-nominee Maria Bello, Twilight's Kristen Stewart and Eddie Redmayne.
The studio has yet to announce its remaining entries for 2010 and 2010.
"We're very pleased to be working with Samuel Goldwyn Films. Goldwyn is among the most respected independent film companies in Hollywood and around the world today," said Epix president and CEO Mark Greenberg in announcing the output deal. "This new exclusive output agreement with Goldwyn will further bolster Epixs incredible lineup of films from its studio partners at Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM, adding even more depth to what is already one of the strongest film libraries of any premium movie service on television."

Noted Samuel Goldwyn president and COO Meyer Gottlieb: "Epix is developing a brand and an approach that is transforming the way films are viewed by consumers. We chose Epix because we want to be part of this new approach to deliver our films to consumers in the way they want to see them. This agreement allows Goldwyn to have its films showcased on what will become a unique and terrific premiere pay television service."