MGM to Handle U.S. Syndication Sales for New Line Television
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6 -- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
(MGM) has formed a strategic relationship with New Line Television, a
division of New Line Cinema, which has MGM handling U.S. domestic
distribution for syndication of New Line's motion picture packages, and
series programming for the next two years. MGM will also handle New Line's
future barter sales. The announcement was made today by Jim Rosenthal,
President, New Line Television, and Jim Packer, President, Worldwide
Television Distribution, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
David Spiegelman, Senior Executive Vice President, Domestic Television
Distribution and Marketing for New Line Television, will continue to
oversee the development and production as well as acquisition of syndicated
programming for the company. He will also continue to distribute all New
Line product to network, pay, basic cable and VOD/PPV outlets. Under the
terms of the new alliance, Spiegelman will work closely with MGM's John
Bryan, Executive Vice President, Broadcast Strategy, on syndication sales
for New Line TV product.
In making the announcement, New Line's Rosenthal said: "This
relationship allows us the opportunity to create one powerful team to
address the syndication marketplace. David is constantly seeking new
programs from non-traditional sources to fuel this area. We believe that
the combination of New Line's resources, and MGM's reach in local markets,
will bring us both tremendous success."
Added MGM's Packer: "New Line Television's catalogue will benefit from
John's strategic direction and the ardent efforts of MGM's sales team. Like
MGM, New Line is committed to developing new strategies that will maximize
revenue and create greater operating efficiencies. New Line's deal with MGM
on the domestic distribution of its television content will prove to be an
effective model for both companies."
New Line Television premiered "Masterminds" from Court TV in
syndication this past week to solid ratings. The riveting half-hour series
examines the most daring, brilliant and complicated capers in history and
the relentless police work that brought most of the perpetrators to
justice. MGM will assist New Line Television with second year renewals for
the popular cable series.
About New Line Television
New Line Television is a division of New Line Cinema (http://www.newline.com),
the most successful independent film company in the world. The division
develops, produces and distributes TV projects for the broadcast networks,
cable and first-run syndication, as well as distributes New Line feature
films across the television landscape. In addition to the production,
marketing and distribution of theatrical motion pictures, New Line Cinema
has divisions devoted to home entertainment, music, theater, merchandising
and international. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line's
Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the most successful
film franchises in history. New Line is a division of Time Warner, Inc.
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries is
actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion
pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and
licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of
modern films, comprising around 4,000 titles. Operating units include
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United
Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc.,
MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc.,
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM
Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership
interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 110 countries. MGM
ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), Texas Pacific
Group (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant
Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information,
visit http://www.mgm.com.
SOURCE Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
http://www.newline.com
http://www.mgm.com
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