MGM Licenses James Bond Films to Viasat’s TV3

LONDON/STOCKHOLM, March 6: In a deal reached with Viasat Broadcasting, MGM has licensed its library of James Bond films—including last year’s Casino Royale—to Viasat’s TV3 for broadcast in Sweden and Norway.

The deal covers all 21 of the movies in the James Bond franchise, starting from 1962’s Dr. No and culminating in Casino Royale. The latest Bond feature, starring Daniel Craig, will premiere on TV3 in Sweden and Norway in 2009. Prior to the broadcast of Casino Royale, the entire library of previously released James Bond movies will have aired on TV3 in Sweden and Norway.

Each of the 21 movies in the library was produced by Eon Productions under the MGM studio banners, and follows the adventures of James Bond played by various actors that include Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and now Daniel Craig.

"This licensing agreement demonstrates the continued vibrancy of the James Bond franchise on terrestrial television," said Alexander Holland, the head of content, acquisition, branding and promotion for TV3. "And is made even brighter by the current, record-breaking theatrical run of Casino Royale and the worldwide filmgoers’ acclaim of Daniel Craig as the new Bond. Viasat looks forward to collaborating with MGM in taking the Bond franchise to new heights on TV3 in Sweden and Norway."