HBO Inks Deal with Oprah Winfrey's Harpo

NEW YORK, December 17:
Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Films has signed a deal to develop and produce
programming for HBO, including mini-series, movies, documentaries and series.

"This is the perfect
partnership for Harpo Films," said Winfrey in a statement.

"Oprah personifies
excellence and quality in everything she does," said Richard Plepler, the
co-president of HBO. "It's a great privilege for us to partner with her in
the coming years."

Harpo Films is behind the
"Oprah Winfrey Presents" series of TV movies on ABC, including Tuesdays
With Morrie and Their Eyes Were
Watching God.

The exclusive three-year
deal with HBO begins next year. Kate Forte, the president of Harpo Films, said
of the agreement: "The format and creativity offered by HBO are unique in
television, and the quality and range of their subjects are extraordinary.
There is simply no other place like it. We look forward to doing great things
together."

—By Mansha Daswani