MGM Titles Heading to Showtime Arabia

LOS ANGELES: Showtime Arabia has locked in a five-year deal to bring titles from MGM Worldwide Television, including the recent James Bond franchise hits Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, to its pay-TV and VOD services.

This is MGM’s first VOD offer for the region and brings MGM’s films—such as the final installment in the Rocky franchise, Rocky Balboa; the political thriller Lions for Lambs, starring Tom Cruise, Robert Redford and Meryl Streep; and Pink Panther 2, featuring Steve Martin—to Showtime customers throughout the Middle East. Titles will also be available through its Show On Demand, the region’s first video-on-demand service.

"As the leading Pay TV provider throughout the region, Showtime Arabia is a great partner for MGM," said Chris Ottinger, the executive VP of worldwide television for MGM. "We are pleased to collaborate with Showtime Arabia in bringing MGM’s theatrical blockbusters to the movie fans throughout the Middle East and believe that the Show On Demand platform will be a tremendous asset in gaining exposure for MGM’s films and growing our global VOD business model. Paul Bischoff, the VP of rights and acquisitions at MGM, served as a key member of our team in making this important deal happen."

"MGM’s brand and its diverse selection of popular feature films will enrich our customers’ experience," commented Marc-Antoine d’Halluin, the president and CEO of Showtime Arabia. "We’re very proud to add MGM’s popular film franchises to Showtime’s pay-TV and video-on-demand services and look forward to exploring other opportunities with the studio."