Starz Extends Sony Pictures Deal

Pay TV service will offer Sony titles through 2021

By R. Thomas Umstead, Multichannel News -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/11/2013 10:28:01 AM

Theatrical titles from Sony Pictures will remain on Starz as part of a new, multiyear agreement  between the two parties announced Monday.

The agreement extends Sony's current first-run output premium deal with Starz - which was set to expire in 2016 -- through 2021, according to Starz.  The new deal provides movie content for all Starz platforms including the network's Starz Play and Encore Play streaming services. Among the Sony titles premiering on Starz in 2013 are The Amazing Spider-Man, 21 Jump Street, Zero Dark Thirty, The Vow, Men In Black 3, and Resident Evil: Retribution.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The deal secures a major studio film package for Starz two months after Disney Studio Films reached a distribution deal with Netflix that will move the studios' theatrical films from Starz to the online streaming movie service beginning in 2016.   

"Starz and Encore subscribers have enjoyed the consistently stellar theatrical product from Sony, and we are thrilled to extend our exclusive partnership into the next decade," said Chris Albrecht, Starz Chief Executive Officer in a statement.  "Starz will continue to offer the richest premium TV viewing experience for our subscribers and distributors for years to come thanks to Starz' growing original programming slate, along with the robust lineup of new blockbuster Sony releases and our deep movie library."