WWE Shifts Film Strategy

STAMFORD: WWE Studios is planning to self-distribute and handle the marketing of its upcoming slate of theatrical films, beginning this summer with the tentatively titled Brother’s Keeper starring Patricia Clarkson, Danny Glover and WWE Superstar John Cena.

WWE announced today that Samuel Goldwyn Films will be WWE Studios’ theatrical distribution partner in the U.S., while Vivendi Entertainment will be the U.S. DVD distribution partner. International DVD distribution will be handled by WWE’s existing television and video partners worldwide.

The company is planning to produce and release nine family-friendly films through 2012, including comedies, dramas and thrillers. Announcing the change in strategy—WWE Studios previously partnered with Lionsgate and Fox for its films—Mike Pavone, the executive VP of WWE Studios, stated: “The self-distribution model will allow WWE to maximize marketing efforts and create special event experiences at select theatres nationwide.”

The upcoming Brother’s Keeper will be the seventh film out of WWE Studios since it was founded in 2002. It will be followed by the fall 2010 release of the comedy Knucklehead.