Showtime, TWC team up for new deal

NEW YORK, July 15 (UPI) -- Showtime Networks Inc. says it has entered into an exclusive seven-year film distribution arrangement with The Weinstein Co., a U.S. studio.

The joint announcement was made Monday by Matthew C. Blank, chairman and CEO of Showtime Networks, and Bob and Harvey Weinstein, co-chairmen of TWC.

The deal is effective with TWC's 2009 release schedule and includes such films as "Nine," starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench and Sophia Loren, as well as Quentin Tarantino's as-yet-uncast "Inglourious Basterds."

"This exclusive agreement with The Weinstein Co. will deliver our subscribers an enormous and diverse slate of films at a price to Showtime that is consistent with today's marketplace," Blank said in a statement. "Bob's and Harvey's films are known for quality and promotability, making them a perfect fit with the acclaimed and award-winning original series that have generated strong momentum and subscriber growth for Showtime."

"This long-term strategic partnership is a tremendous initiative for our company and provides our films with a critically important pay-TV home for the next seven years," Harvey Weinstein added. "Showtime is one of the hottest brands in television and we have tremendous respect for Matt Blank and his team's passion, dedication and creativity."