In Demand L.L.C. added another studio to its video-on-demand content
portfolio by reaching a long-term output deal with DreamWorks SKG.
The deal calls for In Demand to distribute DreamWorks movie product on a VOD
basis. That includes such blockbusters as Shrek, which becomes available
Jan. 14, as well as upcoming titles Evolution, Curse of the Jade
Scorpion, The Last Castle and A.I.: Artificial
Intelligence.
The pact follows output deals with several other studios, including Sony
Corp.'s Columbia TriStar Pictures, Universal Pictures and Artisan
Entertainment.
Studio VOD deals are critical for operators as they look to recoup millions
of dollars worth of costly digital equipment they're currently rolling out to
consumers.
In Demand and Intertainer Inc. are vying to be the industry's main suppliers
of VOD content.
Diva Systems Corp. announced in December that it plans to exit the
content-aggregation business. It will stop offering VOD content to affiliates by
midyear.
'We are excited to be able to further our strategic relationship with
DreamWorks. This agreement reinforces In Demand's strategy to support the
ongoing rollout of cable VOD, affording an even wider selection of compelling
and engaging entertainment,' In Demand executive vice president Robert Jacobson
said in a prepared statement.
'Video-on-demand is a promising distribution medium offering viewers
convenience, choice and control,' DreamWorks head of television distribution Hal
Richardson said, also in a prepared statement.
'With new advancements in delivery technologies, DreamWorks is now in a
position to license our content to VOD platforms like In Demand, giving us the
ability to explore new business opportunities, in addition to expanding our
existing PPV-licensing arrangement with them,' Richardson added.
In addition to the studio deals, In Demand has broadened its VOD offerings
through content agreements with Hallmark Entertainment, ESPN, Courtroom
Television Network, Comedy Central and Turner Broadcasting System Inc. channels
Turner Network Television and Cartoon Network.
