By Devin Zydel on 2009-05-10
It was announced today that MGM Studios and Showtime Arabia, the leading Pay-TV network in the Middle East and North Africa, have signed a new five year deal that includes the complete James Bond collection–all 22 films including Quantum of Solace.
Full details follow in the press release below:
Showtime Signs Five-Year Exclusive Deal With MGM To Bring Blockbusters To Middle East Viewers
James Bond’s Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace, Rocky Balboa, Lions for Lambs, and Pink Panther-2 Among Movies To Hit Showtime Screens
Thunderball
Showtime Arabia, the leading Pay-TV network in the Middle East and North Africa, today announced it signed a five-year deal with MGM Worldwide Television, a division of Metro-Goldwyn Mayer Studios Inc., bringing a bouquet of blockbusters to Showtime customers throughout the Middle East.
The agreement marks MGM’s first Video On Demand (VOD) offer in the region and offers MGM’s films exclusively to Showtime customers. With 205 Academy Awards, the world’s largest library of modern films and home to numerous successful film franchises, including James Bond, Pink Panther and Rocky, MGM is a fantastic addition to Showtime customers’ entertainment line-up.
The deal adds MGM to the list of powerhouse studios that are signed up with SHOWTIME including Sony, Disney, Universal, Dreamworks, and many local and international producers.
According to the terms of the five-year agreement, Showtime Arabia will carry MGM titles such as the recent James Bond franchise hits that include Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, the final installment in the Rocky franchise Rocky Balboa, the political thriller Lions for Lambs starring Tom Cruise, Robert Redford and Meryl Streep, and Pink Panther-2, starring Steve Martin.
Marc-Antoine d’Halluin, President and CEO, Showtime Arabia, said: “MGM’s brand and its diverse selection of popular feature films will enrich our customers’ experience. We’re very proud to add MGM’s popular film franchises to Showtime’s Pay TV and Video On Demand services and look forward to exploring other opportunities with the studio.”
Chris Ottinger, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Television, MGM, said: “As the leading Pay TV provider throughout the region, Showtime Arabia is an ideal partner for MGM. We are pleased to collaborate with Showtime Arabia in bringing MGM’s theatrical blockbusters to the movie fans throughout the Middle East and believe the Video On Demand platform will be a tremendous asset in gaining exposure for MGM’s films and growing our global VOD business model.”
Showtime will kick off the partnership in June, premiering two of the latest Bond films in the 007 franchise. A man that needs no introduction, Daniel Craig hasn’t lost a step since Casino Royale. This James Bond remains dangerous, a man who could earn that license to kill in brutal hand-to-hand combat, but still look sharp in a tailored suit. And Quantum of Solace carries on from the previous film like no other 007 movie, with Bond nursing his anger from the Casino Royale storyline and vowing blood revenge on those responsible.
Later this year, Showtime will hit the ultimate in viewing – the complete collection of James Bond films – 22 in total making the 007 franchise one of the most famous and indeed the longest running in the history of cinema. Showtime customers can also look forward to many future titles currently in production including Cabin in the Woods starring Oscar nominee Richard Jenkins and Hot Tub Machine starring John Cusack.
As always, keep watching CommanderBond.net—and our brand new Twitter feed—for all the latest on James Bond-related events happening around the world.
