Universal Sells Horror/Thriller Label

LOS ANGELES, January 5:
Universal Pictures has sold off its Rogue Pictures horror and thriller film
label to Relativity Media, its financing partner, for a reported $150 million.

According to wire reports,
the deal was closed shortly before Christmas. It includes the Rogue brand,
library and upcoming releases, with Universal expected to continue handling
distribution for the films.

Relativity has a
longstanding relationship with Universal, partnering with the studio on the
funding of recent releases like Mamma Mia!, The Mummy: Tomb
of The Dragon Emperor and Hellboy
II: The Golden Army. In September,
the two companies extended and expanded their co-financing partnership,
covering the majority of Universal's slate through 2015. The alliance is
expected to fund about 10 to 15 films a year.

—By Mansha Daswani