Sony, Starz Extend Pay-TV Deal

ENGLEWOOD/CULVER CITY, January 13: Starz Entertainment has extended its deal for the exclusive pay-TV rights to all Sony Pictures theatrical releases.

The previous agreement between the two companies, signed in 2000 and effective with January 2005 releases, was valid through 2013. The new deal extends those rights "well into the next decade," according to a press statement. It also gives Starz exclusive pay-TV rights to carry the Sony Pictures films on all Starz platforms. Starz will also continue to have the rights to interviews with talent and behind-the-scenes material from Sony Pictures releases that can be aired by Starz services while the films are in theaters.

Bill Myers, Starz’s president and COO, said, "Sony Pictures has been a fabulous partner for Starz for many years. Some of the most-watched movies on Starz in recent years have come from Sony including The Da Vinci Code, the Spider-Man films and The Pursuit of Happyness. In 2009 we look forward to airing another great slate, including Step Brothers, You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, Pineapple Express and Hancock. Starz has always prided itself on bringing its customers the best of Hollywood. Sony Pictures films have been critical in meeting that commitment, and we are delighted that our partnership will continue well into the next decade."

—By Mansha Daswani