FX, NBC Universal Strike $100M Film Deal
Network Gets Basic-Cable Rights to Nearly All of Universal Pictures’ 2008 Movie Slate
By Alex Weprin -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/27/2008 9:00:00 AM MT
FX and NBC Universal struck a deal to bring nearly all of Universal Pictures’ 2008 movie slate to the cable network.
The deal, estimated to be worth approximately $100 million, will give FX the basic-cable rights to 15 films after the pay window, including The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and The Express. The deal also includes films from NBCU-owned Rogue Pictures and Focus Features.
"This deal is a tremendous vote of confidence in Universal Pictures. It has been a long time since we have seen a presale of this magnitude,” Universal Pictures vice chairman Rick Finkelstein said in a statement. “We look forward to working with FX, a leading basic-cable network. We couldn't be more pleased."
FX executive vice president Chuck Saftler said in a statement: "We're extremely impressed by the diversity and quality of Universal's slate this year and we believe that the films in this package are a great fit for FX and its growing theatrical library."
