NBCU & StudioCanal Extend Distribution Deals

PARIS: Universal Pictures International Entertainment and StudioCanal have extended their international sales agreement for a further two years, while another deal sees NBC Universal International Television Distribution continuing to distribute StudioCanal’s theatrical titles internationally.

Under the terms of the first deal, the companies also extended an agreement for their joint venture, Universal StudioCanal Video (USCV), to market and distribute home-entertainment titles in France for the next three years, to the end of 2013. NBC Universal International Television Distribution has been licensing the international television rights to StudioCanal’s library of 5,000-plus feature films since 2001. The two established the joint venture USCV in January 2008. The deal to extend the JV is driven by a slate of titles that includes Robin Hood, L’Amour C’est Mieux à Deux, l’Arnacoeur, Moi Moche et Méchant and Le Voyage Extraordinaire de Sammy.

Eddie Cunningham, the president at UPIE, said, “UPIE is very proud of the successful relationship with StudioCanal and we look forward to continuing our partnership as one of the leading home entertainment distributors in France.”

NBC Universal International Television Distribution’s president, Belinda Menendez, added, “We are very pleased to be working with StudioCanal and look forward to continuing our longstanding and successful relationship.”

Pauline Grimaldi D’Esdra, the managing director at USCV, commented, “The success of USCV since 2008 is indicative of the combined expertise and professionalism of the Universal and StudioCanal teams.”

Olivier Courson, the CEO of StudioCanal, noted, “I am very pleased we managed to renew our agreement with Universal. We did a very good job together these past few years. Universal highlighted the library in a successful and profitable way. It is a real pleasure for our teams continuing their successful relationship.”