FME Launches DVD Label in Australia

LONDON, February 13:
FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) is setting up its own DVD label, FHE
Australia, to manage its home-entertainment content in Australia and New
Zealand, which will be distributed via destra vision.

FHE Australia will be run
by a local team who will work closely with destra vision. Titles—which
will include hit series such as Neighbours, Satisfaction and the
Jamie Oliver franchise, along
with classics from Thames’ back catalogue, including Goodnight Sweetheart and Rumpole of the Bailey—will be released through the new label,
while the company will still be looking to acquire new content locally,
globally and from FremantleMedia Production Australia, specifically for the new
label.

Pete Kalhan, FME’s senior
VP of home entertainment and archive, described the deal as, “a great
opportunity for FME to further grow revenue from DVD sales. And there’s no
doubt that destra vision’s expertise in both sales and distribution plus their
local knowledge will prove invaluable.” He continued: “Over the next few months
we will be exploring the possibility of setting up our own label in a number of
other territories and distributing directly.”

Added Phil Maddison,
destra vision’s CEO, “FME is one the of world’s premier providers of filmed
media. destra vision is thrilled to be appointed FME’s distribution partner in
this territory and we look forward to a long and healthy relationship.”

David Ellender, FME’s CEO, commented, “This is yet another example of FME’s commitment
to developing relationships at grass-roots level to ensure that we can continue
to offer a fully rounded service.”

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski