USA Licenses Universal Pictures ’09 Slate

NEW YORK: USA Network has licensed the exclusive network television premiere rights to Universal Pictures’ entire film slate for this year, including State of Play with Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck.

Dubbed one of the largest deals of its kind between a basic cable network and a studio, the package also includes Duplicity with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen, Fast & Furious with Vin Diesel, Land of the Lost with Will Ferrell, Public Enemies with Johnny Depp, Funny People with Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen, Couples Retreat with Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau, and The Wolfman with Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins, among others. USA Network has also scored the rights to Atonement with Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, Frost/Nixon with Frank Langella and Michael Sheen, and Milk with Sean Penn and Josh Brolin. "This deal is the most ambitious movie acquisition to date for USA," said Jane Blaney, the executive VP of programming, acquisitions and scheduling at USA Network. "To partner with Universal makes it a win-win across NBCU platforms, while complementing USA’s brand strategy with an A-list talent roster with a proven track record on the network, including Adam Sandler, Matt Damon and Johnny Depp."

Frances Manfredi, the executive VP and general sales manager at NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution, added: "USA Network clearly understands the significance of a strong theatrical lineup on its overall network performance,. We applaud USA for its vision and aggressive film acquisition strategy. This year’s Universal Pictures’ slate features many amazing projects with some of the most prominent actors and directors in the business."