HBO, Universal Pictures Reach Carriage Extension

HBO will retain the rights to distribute Universal Pictures films as part of a long-term deal announced Sunday between the two parties.

The renewal extends the decade-long agreement between the two parties that keeps Universal Pictures’ and Focus Features’ films exclusive to HBO in the domestic pay TV network window into the next decade, said Rick Finkelstein, Vice Chairman and COO, Universal Pictures and Bruce Grivetti, President, Film Programming, HBO.

“Through our long and successful partnership with Universal Pictures, HBO has been able to deliver some of the biggest and best Hollywood theatricals to our subscribers,” said HBO’s Grivetti in a statement. “We are excited to extend our relationship with Universal Pictures and have now solidified HBO's position for first-run theatricals into the next decade.”

“With HBO’s far-reaching network of premium services, ranging from the traditional in-home experience to its mobile applications, we are pleased to continue this relationship and bring Universal and Focus Features’ films to HBO subscribers for many years to come,” said Finkelstein in a statement. “With our upcoming slate of films, HBO will continue to offer outstanding film content to their already vast library of movies, specials and award-winning original programming.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.