Starz Holds On to Exclusive Pay-TV Rights for Sony Movies

BEVERLY HILLS: Sony Pictures Entertainment and Starz have signed a new multi-year agreement that extends their first-run output deal for premium pay TV with new releases through 2021.

The previous pact between the two covered films released through 2016. Starz is the exclusive first-run pay-TV home for Sony Pictures’ films, including titles from Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Classics, TriStar and Screen Gems. The Sony deal covers all Starz platforms, including the linear Starz and Encore channels in standard and high definition as well as the VOD and online streaming services. Among the titles included in the pact from 2013 are The Amazing Spider-Man, 21 Jump Street, Zero Dark Thirty, The Vow, Men in Black 3 and Resident Evil: Retribution.

“Starz and Encore subscribers have enjoyed the consistently stellar theatrical product from Sony, and we are thrilled to extend our exclusive partnership into the next decade,” said Chris Albrecht, Starz’ CEO. “Starz will continue to offer the richest premium TV viewing experience for our subscribers and distributors for years to come thanks to Starz’ growing original programming slate, along with the robust lineup of new blockbuster Sony releases and our deep movie library.”

“Starz has been a terrific partner and we are excited to be extending our relationship with them through the 2021 slate,” added John Weiser, the president of U.S. distribution for Sony Pictures Television.