Starz Bulks Up Vongo Slate with Screen Media Ventures Deal

Internet-Download Service Adds More than 100 Feature Films

By Glen Dickson -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/1/2007 8:28:00 PM

Starz Entertainment increased the content offered through its Vongo subscription online-video service by acquiring multiyear broadband-distribution rights to more than 100 feature films from Delaware-based Screen Media Ventures.

The agreement with SMV will allow Starz to provide the movies to subscribers to Vongo's unlimited download service, as well as renting them online on a 24-hour pay-per-view basis. Select movies will also be available for electronic sell-through purchase when Vongo adds that functionality in the future.

Among the new titles are cult horror film Piranha; comedy Mojave Moon with Angelina Jolie, Danny Aiello and Anne Archer; Will Ferrell vehicle Men Seeking Women; and Blue Desert, a thriller starring Courtney Cox-Arquette.

"These SMV films are sure to find a new audience on Vongo," said Nancy Silverstone, vice president of program acquisitions for Starz Entertainment, in a statement. "The Vongo experience encourages experimentation and sampling of movie content of all kinds thanks to its unlimited subscription model. The Screen Media Ventures titles licensed grow our already impressive subscription lineup. In addition, we are delighted to make many of these titles available on a rental basis and as part of our EST digital-download option in the future."

Vongo subscribers currently have unlimited access to more than 1,000 movies and 2,500 total video selections, as well as a live, streaming Starz TV channel for $9.99 per month.